Alcatel Alenia Space-built AMC-23 telecommunication satellite successfully launched from Baikonur, Kazakhstan

Paris, December 29, 2005 - Alcatel Alenia Space applauds the successful launch of the AMC-23 communications satellite from Baikonur in Kazakhstan. This satellite, dedicated to the U.S. operator SES AMERICOM, an SES GLOBAL company, has been launched by International Launch Services on a Proton Breeze M and will cover the Pacific region.

This hybrid C/Ku-band satellite has been designed to meet the particular requirements of AMERICOM’s customer, Connexion by Boeing, and will provide high-speed broadband services to commercial airline passengers throughout the Pacific region. In addition, the 18 transponder C-band payloads will be available to broadcasters, cable programmers, Internet service providers, government agencies, educational institutions, carriers and private networks for next generation distribution solutions and connectivity to North America and Pacific Rim.

Alcatel Alenia Space President and CEO Pascale Sourisse was very pleased by this new successful launch and noted: “ AMC-23 is the fourth Spacebus satellite* delivered to SES AMERICOM in seven years and the fourth Spacebus 4000** telecommunication satellite to be launched this year. This successful launch emphasis our fruitful and long-lasting partnership with both SES AMERICOM and International Launch Services. ”

* AMC-5, AMC-9, AMC-12, AMC-23
** AMC-12, Apstar VI, Syracuse 3A, AMC-23

About Alcatel Alenia Space
Alcatel Alenia Space, leader in satellite systems and at the forefront of orbit infrastructures, 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 defence to science and observation. An affiliate of Alcatel (67%) and Finmeccanica (33%), Alcatel Alenia Space generated an estimated turnover of 1.8 billion euros with around 7,200 people in 2004.

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 12.3 billion and 56,000 employees in 2004, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.

Contact Information

Régine Coqueran

Alcatel

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