Lars Prahm, Director-General of EUMETSAT, and Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, signed the launch Service and Solutions contract for the MSG-4 meteorological observation satellite in Kourou, French Guiana, during an informal meeting of European space ministers.

The MSG-4 satellite is scheduled for launch in the first half of 2013 by an Ariane 5 or Soyuz launcher, from the Guiana Space Center, Europe's Spaceport, in French Guiana.

This is the tenth satellite for which the intergovernmental organization EUMETSAT has chosen an Ariane launch. Arianespace has already launched the MSG-1 and MSG-2 satellites, and will launch MSG-3 in 2010.

Built by Thales Alenia Space in Cannes, southern France, MSG-4 will weigh about 2,000 kg at launch. It will have 12 channels, and is capable of transmitting images every 15 minutes.

MSG-4 will ensure the continuity of European meteorological services, and will provide the data needed for weather forecasting and climate/environment monitoring in Europe and neighbouring continents.

Underscoring the importance of this contract, Jean-Yves Le Gall said: "This contract once again clearly reflects the confidence of European operators in the Arianespace launcher family. We are especially proud of our partnership with EUMETSAT, and of this opportunity to contribute to the continuity of the meteorological services that EUMETSAT offers in Europe and around the world."

"EUMETSAT is very pleased to be teaming up once again with Arianespace, which has already successfully launched eight of our satellites," added Lars Prahm, Director-General of EUMETSAT.

"Arianespace and EUMETSAT have developed an outstanding relationship since the launch of our first satellite, and we are delighted to continue our very fruitful collaboration."