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Successful launch of XM-4 satellite with Alcatel Alenia Space payload


WEBWIRE

Paris, October 31, 2006 - The XM-4 broadcast satellite was successfully launched from the Odyssey Sea Launch Platform on a Zenit–3SL rocket. Alcatel Alenia Space, worldwide leader in Digital Audio Broadcasting Systems payloads, supplied the S-Band one to the satellite prime contractor Boeing Satellite Systems International. Boeing and Alcatel Alenia Space will be responsible for in-orbit tests.

The XM-4 satellite will be operated by XM Satellite Radio, America’s number one satellite radio service offering digital commercial-free music channels, entertainment programming as well as advanced traffic and weather information directly to cars, homes and portable radios throughout the continental United States and Canada.

XM-4 satellite comprises a Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS) payload fitted with 2 narrow band channels of 3000W each. Designed for a 15-year lifespan, the XM-4 satellite will have 18 kilowatts of total power at the beginning of life on orbit.

This launch reinforces Alcatel Alenia Space’s worldwide leadership in Digital Audio Broadcasting Systems payloads. Alcatel Alenia Space has already provided the payloads for XM-1, XM-2 and XM-3 satellites.

About Alcatel Alenia Space
Alcatel Alenia Space is the European leader in satellite systems and at the forefront of orbital infrastructures. Created in July 2005, the company brings together the vast experience and know-how of Alcatel Space and Alenia Spazio to form a new leading force in European space technology. Alcatel Alenia Space represents a worldwide standard for space development that impacts everybody’s future: from navigation to telecommunications, from meteorology to environmental monitoring, from defense to science and observation. Alcatel Alenia Space is an affiliate of Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) (67%) and Finmeccanica (Milan:SIFI.MI, FNC.IM) (33%).

About Alcatel
Alcatel provides communications solutions to telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers and enterprises for delivery of voice, data and video applications to their customers or employees. Alcatel brings its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks, applications and services, to help its partners and customers build a user-centric broadband world. With sales of EURO 13.1 billion and 58,000 employees in 2005, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries. For more information, visit Alcatel on the Internet: http://www.alcatel.com

Contact press@alcatel.com



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