lcatel Space Selected by GE Americom to Build Three More Satellites
Paris, April 23, 2001 - Alcatel Space announced today the signature of a contract with GE
American Communications Inc., based in Princeton, New Jersey (USA), a GE Capital
company, to supply three telecommunications satellites. The contract amount was not
disclosed.
In connection with the announcement, Jean-Claude Husson, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Alcatel Space, indicated, "I am proud to have won this major award from a
commercial client as prestigious as GE Americom. Alcatel now has seven spacecraft in
construction for Americom, the first of which will be delivered in 2002." Husson continued,
"This latest contract once again clearly shows our solutions unmatched competitive edge."
John F. Connelly, Chairman and CEO of GE Americom, said, "This award to Alcatel shows our
confidence in the technical excellence and quality of Alcatel's team, processes and products.
These satellites are critical to Americom's continued global expansion."
The three satellites will be built in France at Alcatel's Toulouse and Cannes manufacturing
centers. Two of the three are to be delivered in orbit and will be launched from the Baikonur
Cosmodrome by ILS using the Proton-based launch vehicle.
GE-2E, an all BSS Ku-band 40 transponder satellite, will also feature two steerable beams.
Planned for operation from 24º West, GE-2E will use the Spacebus 4000 platform, which has
been in production at Alcatel Space for the past 5 years. By the end of 2003, the new
European satellite will extend the coverages and services currently provided by Americom via
the GE-1E satellite at 5º East. GE-3E is being initially developed as a ground spare for GE-2E.
The third satellite is being designed for North American service from 79º West. This Spacebus
3000 based spacecraft will be equipped with 48 transponders: 24 will provide C-band
coverage of the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean; 24 will provide Ku-band coverage
of the U.S. and Mexico. Alcatel will deliver this satellite in orbit in 2002.
The Spacebus 3000 equips 22 satellites, with the entire Spacebus family accounting for 42
satellites, including this most recent order from GE Americom. The three new satellites
ordered by Americom will generate between 6 and 8 kW of power, which will enable each of
them to deliver digital television and entertainment services, as well as interactive multimedia
applications for an average of 16 years.
In addition to the Alcatel Space contract win in April 2000, this contract allows for a total of
seven satellites, in construction for GE Americom : five Spacebus 4000 spacecraft and two
Spacebus 3000 spacecraft.
About Alcatel Space
Alcatel Space ranks among the world's leading space systems prime contractors. Leveraging
its dual expertise in civil and military applications, Alcatel Space develops satellite technology
solutions for telecommunications, navigation, optical and radar observation, meteorology, and
scientific applications. With partners around the world, subsidiaries throughout Europe and a
strong commitment to R&D, Alcatel Space plays an important role as prime contractor,
operator, investor, or service provider in most of today's leading space programs. The
company is also Europe's Number One prime contractor for Earth observation, meteorology
and navigation ground segments, as well as space systems operations. A jointly-owned
subsidiary of Alcatel (51%) and Thales (49%), Alcatel Space generated 2000 revenues of 1.4
billion euros and has 6,000 employees.
About Alcatel
Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA; NYSE: ALA) builds next generation networks, delivering integrated
end-to-end voice and data networking solutions to established and new carriers, as well as
enterprises and consumers worldwide. With 130,000 employees and sales of EURO 31 billion
in 2000, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.
Contact press@www.alcatel.com |
