In parallel, Arianespace moved forward with the preparation of the next mission with its heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA � which is scheduled on February 11. This will be followed by five other Ariane 5 missions that also are planned for 2005.

For the future operations of Soyuz from the Guiana Space Center, construction activities on the new launch site moved into full swing in 2004. Concerning the launcher itself, the Soyuz 2-1a version made its successful maiden flight on November 8, and the Soyuz 2-1b is expected to be launched in mid 2006.

For commercial operations performed under the responsibility of Starsem, three Soyuz missions are planned from Baikonur Cosmodrome in 2005.

The Vega program also is moving forward, with development work on this lightweight launcher progressing in 2004 for a maiden flight of the vehicle in 2007.

Another key event in 2004 was the first launch assigned by Arianespace to Sea Launch in the framework of the Launch Services Alliance � for which mission preparations were carried out in record time to respond to the customer's requirements.

Financial reinforcement adds to Arianespace's strength

Following historic decisions taken by the Council of the European Space Agency, Arianespace now has the means to meet its commercial goals.

With its streamlined staff, the company has received a key vote of confidence from its 23 shareholders, which � as promised � committed to a recapitalization at the level of 60 million euros.

These actions allowed Arianespace to sign a contract for the production of 30 Ariane 5 launchers and to confirm its participation in the project to bring Soyuz operations to the Guiana Space Center.

In 2004, Arianespace's turnover reached approximately 700 million euros, keeping the company in the black for another year.

In 2004, Arianespace was again the world's biggest commercial launch services company, signing 12 contracts: eight for Ariane 5 and four involving launches with Soyuz. In addition, Arianespace's Starsem affiliate signed 2 contracts for Soyuz missions.

As of January 4, 2005, Arianespace's backlog stands at 40 satellites to be launched (35 for Ariane 5 � of which nine are with the ATV resupply spacecraft for the International Space Station; 3 Soyuz missions from the Guiana Space Center, and 2 Soyuz flights from Baikonur Cosmodrome). The Starsem backlog stands at 5 satellites to be launched.

Pleiades: Successors to Spot satellites

The two Pleiades satellites will be placed in heliosynchronous orbit by Soyuz launchers from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana. The first satellite is to be launched in 2008 and the second in 2009.

The Pleiades satellites comprise the high-resolution optical imaging component in the Franco-Italian Orfeo system. Italy is supplying the radar component. The satellites will perform both civil and military missions, providing continuity with the services available via the Spot satellites.

EADS Astrium is prime contractor and platform manufacturer for the satellites, which weigh about one metric ton each. Alcatel Space will supply the high-resolution and image telemetry systems. The size, image resolution, orbital agility and ground transmission capabilities of the Pleiades satellites represent a significant technological advance.

Skynet 5A and 5B military satcoms

Also this week, Colin Paynter, Managing Director of EADS Astrium, and Jean-Yves Le Gall, CEO of Arianespace, today announced the signature of two launch contracts, for the Skynet 5A and 5B satellites.

These two satellites will be boosted into geostationary transfer orbit by Ariane 5 launchers from the Guiana Space Center, Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Launches are scheduled for the second half of 2006 and the second half of 2007.

Skynet 5A and 5B will be launched by Arianespace on behalf of EADS Astrium, which in turn will deliver the satellites in orbit to the commercial organisation Paradigm Secure Communications. Paradigm is contracted to provide secure communications services for the British armed forces, NATO and a number of other countries.

The Skynet 5 satellites, built by EADS Astrium, will weigh approximately 4,700 kilograms at launch. Europe's Ariane launcher has already orbited the Skynet 4B, 4C, 4E and 4F satellites for the British Ministry of Defense.

Corot, a world first in astronomy

The Corot satellite is a veritable space observatory designed to study stars and search for new planets. With a payload of 630 kg, the satellite will be launched by the maiden flight of the Soyuz 21b launch vehicle in mid-2006 from the Baikonur cosmodrome.

This launch is part of the Guiana Space Center (CSG) Soyuz program and will be executed under the responsibility of Arianespace. For launch operations Arianespace will draw on Starsem expertise.

This scientific mission will mark a world first, with two missions: study the internal structure of stars and detect plants outside our solar system.

The Corot satellite uses the Proteus multimission platform built by Alcatel Space. Corot will placed into a polar orbit at an altitude of 850 kilometers.

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