Starsem press releases

This news section contains our releases and announcements for 2008 - 2005. They will be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. You can click on the headline of interest to move forward to the desired release/announcement. To read the releases for 2004-1998, please click on this link.

2008:

- Starsem successfully launches second Europe navigation satellite
- Success of the 1,731st launch of Soyuz
- Success of the 1,730th launch of Soyuz

2007:

2006:

2005:

- Starsem successfully launches Venus Express
- Venus Express launch set for November 9
- Venus Express postponed several days
- Globalstar has reaffirmed its confidence in Soyuz
- Success of the 1,702nd launch of Soyuz
- Success of the 1,701st launch of Soyuz
- Success of the 1,700th launch of Soyuz
- Mission success for Starsem and Arianespace: the Galaxy 14 satellite is in orbit
- Success of the 1,697th launch of Soyuz
- Success of the 1,696th launch of Soyuz
- Success of the 1,695th launch of Soyuz
- Reorganization at Starsem
- Success of the 1,694th launch of Soyuz

Starsem successfully launches second Europe navigation satellite

Evry, April 27, 2008

The Soyuz launch vehicle lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan right on schedule at 4:16 am local time on Sunday, April 27 (0:16 am Paris time).

Starsem and its Russian partners confirmed that the Fregat orbital stage accurately injected the European Space Agency’s Giove-B satellite into its circular Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). The Fregat stage was ignited three times in succession to carry out this mission, placing Giove-B into orbit 3 hours and 45 minutes after lift-off. It was the 1732nd launch of a rocket from the Soyuz family, the 3rd Soyuz mission in 2008 and the 21st successful Starsem launch.

The Giove-B satellite will be used to validate the critical technologies now under development for Galileo, and to secure the frequencies allotted to this European navigation system by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The satellite weighed about 500 kg at launch and was built by Astrium GmbH (Germany) as satellite prime, with Thales Alenia Space (Italy) as sub-contractor for satellite assembly, integration and test.

Today’s launch was the sixth Starsem mission for the European Space Agency, following the two Cluster II launches, Mars Express, Venus Express, and Giove-A, the first European navigation satellite.

With the introduction of Soyuz at the Guiana Space Center (CSG), this famed Russian medium-class launch vehicle will become an integral part of the European launch vehicle fleet, together with the heavy-lift Ariane 5 and the lightweight Vega. To be offered to the commercial market, the Soyuz at CSG is Europe's reference medium-class launch vehicle for governmental and commercial missions.

Starsem is the Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation and international commercial marketing of the world’s most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace, Astrium, the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Samara Space Cente.

Success of the 1731st launch of Soyuz

Evry, April 8, 2008

The 1731st flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Tuesday, April 8, 2008 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 17:16 Baikonur time (13:16 Paris time).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the Soyuz TMA-12 manned transport spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit for another mission to the International Space Station. This was the second Soyuz family mission in 2008.

Last year was marked by three successful Soyuz flights performed under Starsem's responsibility: two launches, which delivered into orbit eight Globalstar satellites for Globalstar, Inc. (scoring a total of 32 Globalstar satellites launched by 8 Soyuz launch vehicles) and one launch with the Radarsat-2 spacecraft for MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.

With the introduction of Soyuz at the Guiana Space Center (CSG), this famed Russian medium-class launch vehicle will become an integral part of the European launch vehicle fleet, together with the heavy-lift Ariane 5 and the lightweight Vega. To be offered to the commercial market, the Soyuz in French Guiana is Europe's reference medium-class launch vehicle for governmental and commercial missions.

Starsem is the Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation and international commercial marketing of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace, Astrium, the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Samara Space Center.

The next Soyuz launch will be performed by Starsem on April 27, 2008. It will deliver into orbit the Giove-B satellite for the European Space Agency.

Success of the 1730th launch of Soyuz

Evry, February 5, 2008

The 1730th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Tuesday, February 5, 2008 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 19:03 Baikonur time (14:03 Paris time).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the Progress cargo spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit for another mission to the International Space Station. This was the first Soyuz family mission in 2008.

With the introduction of Soyuz at the Guiana Space Center (CSG), this famed Russian medium-class launch vehicle will become an integral part of the European launch vehicle fleet, together with the heavy-lift Ariane 5 and the lightweight Vega. To be offered to the commercial market, the Soyuz in French Guiana is Europe's reference medium-class launch vehicle for governmental and commercial missions.

The next Starsem launch will occur at Baikonur by the end of April. It will deliver into orbit the Giove-B satellite for the European Space Agency.

Success of the 1729th launch of Soyuz

Evry, December 23, 2007

The 1729th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Sunday, December 23, 2007 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 13:12 Baikonur time (08:12, in Paris).

2007 was marked by three successful Soyuz flights performed under Starsem’s responsibility: two launches which delivered into orbit eight Globalstar satellites for Globalstar, Inc. and one launch with the Radarsat-2 spacecraft for MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.

Next year, Starsem will launch from Baikonur the Giove-B satellite for the European Space Agency.

Starsem successfully launches Radarsat-2 satellite

Evry, December 14, 2007

Starsem successfully launched the Radarsat-2 satellite for MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd., a leading provider of advanced information solutions to business and government organizations worldwide.

The Soyuz launch vehicle lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan right on schedule at 7:17 pm local time on Friday December 14 (1:17 pm UTC; 2:17 pm Paris time). It was the 1728th launch of a rocket from the Soyuz family, the 11th Soyuz mission in 2007 and the 20th successful Starsem launch.

Starsem and its Russian partners confirm that the Fregat upper stage accurately injected the Radarsat-2 satellite into the targeted low Earth orbit at 798 km altitude. Fregat was ignited twice to place the satellite into orbit 53 minutes after lift-off. Satellite acquisition and health status will be confirmed independently by MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.

Radarsat-2 will become the cornerstone of the Canada's next-generation commercial radar satellite system dedicated to environmental monitoring, resource and disaster management and mapping in Canada and around the world. This project represents a collaboration between government and industry. MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. will own and operate the satellite and ground segment. The Canadian Space Agency helps to fund the construction and launch of the satellite and will recover this investment through the supply of Radarsat-2 data to the Government of Canada during the lifetime of the mission.

2007 was marked by three successful flights performed under Starsem’s responsibility. The Radarsat-2 mission was preceded by two Soyuz launches which delivered into orbit eight Globalstar satellites for Globalstar, Inc.

Next year, Starsem will launch from Baikonur the Giove-B satellite for the European Space Agency.

Success of the 1727th launch of Soyuz

Evry, October 23, 2007

The 1727th flight of a Soyuz family launch vehicle (Molniya) was performed Tuesday, October 23, 2007 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia at 8:39 a.m. Moscow time (6:39 a.m., in Paris).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the governmental spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit.

This was the 10th Soyuz family mission in 2007. It came right after the successful Starsem's flight launching on October 21, 2007 the Globalstar telecommunications satellites for Globalstar, Inc.

Starsem is planning to carry out several missions in the coming months, including the launch of the Radarsat-2 observation satellite and the launch of the Giove-B satellite.

With the introduction of the Soyuz at the Guiana Space Center (CSG), this famed Russian medium-class launch vehicle becomes an integral part of the European launcher fleet, together with the heavy-lift Ariane 5 and the lightweight Vega. To be offered to the commercial market, the Soyuz at CSG is Europe's reference medium-class launch vehicle for governmental and commercial missions.

Starsem successfully launches four Globalstar satellites

Evry, October 21, 2007

Starsem successfully launched four Globalstar satellites for Globalstar, Inc., a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services to businesses, government, and individuals.

The Soyuz launch vehicle lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan right on schedule at 2:12 am local time on Sunday October 21 (8:12 pm UTC on Saturday October 20; 10:12 pm Paris time on Saturday October 20). It was the 1726th launch of a rocket from the Soyuz family, the 9th Soyuz mission in 2007 and the 19th successful Starsem launch.

Starsem and its Russian partners confirm that the Fregat upper stage accurately injected the four Globalstar satellites into the targeted low Earth orbit at 920 km altitude. Fregat was ignited twice to place the four satellites into orbit 1 hour, 42 minutes after lift-off. Satellites acquisition and health status will be confirmed independently by Globalstar Inc.

These satellites, together with four satellites successfully launched by Starsem last May will augment the current operating constellation through the launch of the Globalstar second generation satellites.

Beginning in 2009, Arianespace will perform the launch of the 24 Globalstar new constellation satellites using four Soyuz launch vehicles at Guiana Space Center (CSG).

With the introduction of Soyuz at CSG, this famed Russian medium-class launch vehicle becomes an integral part of the European launch vehicle fleet, together with the heavy-lift Ariane 5 and the lightweight Vega. To be offered to the commercial market, the Soyuz at CSG is Europe's reference medium-class launch vehicle for governmental and commercial missions.

The Starsem manifest for the coming months includes the launch of the Radarsat-2 observation satellite and the launch of the Giove-B satellite.

Success of the 1725th launch of Soyuz

Evry, October 10, 2007

The 1725th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Wednesday, October 10, 2007 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 7:22 p.m. Baikonur time (3:22 p.m., in Paris).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the Soyuz TMA-11 manned transport spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit for another mission to the International Space Station.

This was the 8th Soyuz family mission in 2007. Starsem is currently preparing the flight of the Globalstar telecommunications satellites for Globalstar, Inc. and is planning to carry out several missions in the coming months, including the launch of the Radarsat-2 observation satellite and the launch of the Giove-B satellite.

The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency, MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd, Globalstar, Inc. and Eumetsat.

Success of the 1724th launch of Soyuz

Evry, September 14, 2007

The 1724th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Friday, September 14, 2007 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 5:00 p.m. Baikonur time (1:00 p.m., in Paris).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the Foton-M3 spacecraft carrying a payload with European scientific experiments was accurately placed on the target orbit.

This was the 7th Soyuz family mission in 2007. After the successful launch of the Globalstar telecommunications satellites for Globalstar LLC on May 30, 2007, Starsem is planning to carry out several missions in the coming months, including another launch for Globalstar, the launch of the Radarsat-2 observation satellite and the launch of the Giove-B satellite.

The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency, MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd, Globalstar LLC and Eumetsat.

Success of the 1723rd launch of Soyuz

Evry, August 2, 2007

The 1723rd flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Thursday, August 2, 2007 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 11:34 p.m. Baikonur time (7:34 p.m., in Paris).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the Progress cargo spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit for another mission to the International Space Station.

This was the 6th Soyuz family mission in 2007. This year, after the successful launch of the Globalstar telecommunications satellites for Globalstar LLC on May 30, 2007, Starsem is planning to carry out several missions, including another Globalstar launch, the launch of the Radarsat-2 Earth observation satellite and the launch of Giove-B for the European Space Agency.

The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency, MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd, Globalstar LLC and Eumetsat.

Success of the 1722nd launch of Soyuz

Evry, June 7, 2007

The 1722nd flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Thursday, June 7, 2007 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia at 10:00 p.m. Moscow time ( 8:00 p.m. , in Paris ).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the governmental spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit.

This was the fifth Soyuz family mission in 2007. It came after the successful Starsem's launch on May 30, 2007 of four Globalstar telecommunications satellites, used to augment the current first-generation LEO (low earth orbit) satellite constellation.

With the introduction of the Soyuz at the Guiana Space Center (CSG), this famed Russian medium-class launch vehicle becomes an integral part of the European launcher fleet, together with the heavy-lift Ariane 5 and the lightweight Vega. To be offered to the commercial market, the Soyuz at CSG is Europe 's reference medium-class launch vehicle for governmental and commercial missions.

The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency, MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd and Globalstar LLC.

Starsem successfully launches Globalstar satellites

Evry, May 30, 2007

Globalstar, Inc., a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services to businesses, government, and individuals, and Starsem, the Soyuz Company today announced that four Globalstar satellites were successfully launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, using the Soyuz launch vehicle. These satellites, together with the additional four ground spare satellites due to be launched shortly, will augment the current operating constellation and improve the Globalstar quality of two-way voice and data service through the launch of the second generation satellite constellation.

The Globalstar satellites were launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, May 30 at 2:31 am local time (20:31 UTC and 1:31 pm May 29 in California), using the Soyuz-Fregat version of the Soyuz launch vehicle. This is the 1721st successful launch of the Soyuz family rocket.

Starsem confirmed that the upper stage accurately injected the four satellite dispenser into the targeted low Earth orbit of 920 km at 4:18 am local time (22:18 UTC and 3:18 pm May 29 in California). Globalstar reports that all four satellites have been successfully acquired following separation of the Fregat upper stage and release from the satellite dispenser. While Globalstar is continuing to perform initial satellite in-orbit tests, the performance of all four spacecraft is nominal at this time.

"We are absolutely ecstatic about this success and pleased to make this announcement," said Jay Monroe, Chairman & CEO of Globalstar, Inc. "We applaud all of our Globalstar employees world-wide who have worked tirelessly to make this day a reality. We also thank our proven launch services provider Starsem as well as the prime contractor for the first generation satellites, Space Systems Loral, and sub-contractor Thales Alenia Space for this launch success.

Mr. Monroe added, "Today is also a great day for Globalstar stockholders. Globalstar has invested approximately $120 million into the core satellite business in order to launch these four satellites plus the remaining four ground spares. Globalstar considers these eight satellites to represent the beginning of our next-generation constellation, because they will not only help bridge the gap today, but last long into and seamlessly operate with, our second-generation constellation."

In December 2006, Globalstar signed a EURO 661 million (approximately $865 million) contract with Thales Alenia Space for the design, manufacture and delivery of 48 new satellites for the second-generation Globalstar satellite constellation, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the summer of 2009. The satellites are being designed to provide service until at least 2025.

Mr. Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman & CEO of Starsem expressed his satisfaction. "I would like to extend my congratulations to Mr. Jay Monroe, Chairman & CEO of Globalstar, and to thank Mr. Monroe for the confidence he has shown in Starsem and the Soyuz launcher. The work of Starsem and its Russian partners though is not yet finished and we look forward to our next launch for Globalstar later this summer."

Thales Alenia Space is completing the necessary tests on the remaining four first-generation satellites at its facility in Rome, Italy. These satellites will then be shipped to the launch complex in Baikonur for final pre-launch preparations.

About Globalstar, Inc.
With over 250,000 activated satellite voice and data units, Globalstar offers satellite services to commercial and recreational users in more than 120 countries around the world. The Company's voice and data products include mobile and fixed satellite telephones, simplex and duplex satellite data modems and flexible service packages. Many land based and maritime industries benefit from Globalstar with increased productivity from remote areas beyond cellular and landline service. Global customer segments include: oil and gas, government, mining, forestry, commercial fishing, utilities, military, transportation, heavy construction, emergency preparedness, and business continuity as well as individual recreational users. Globalstar data solutions are ideal for various asset tracking, data monitoring and SCADA applications.

For more information regarding Globalstar, please visit Globalstar's web site at www.globalstar.com

About Starsem
Starsem is the Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation and international commercial marketing of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace, EADS-Astrium, the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Samara Space Center.

Reorganization at Starsem

Evry, May 21, 2007

Effective today, M. Alexei RIABTSEV is named Vice-President, Administration & Finance of Starsem, following the nomination of Mrs. Eva PORTIER as a Technical Adviser to the Prime Minister.

Starsem is responsible for international marketing of the Soyuz launch vehicle, as well as its operation. Shareholders in Starsem are EADS-Astrium, the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), the Samara Space Center (TsSKB-Progress) and Arianespace.

Starsem is managed by Jean-Yves LE GALL, Chairman & CEO, who cumulates this function with the function of the Chairman & CEO of Arianespace, as well as by Victor NIKOLAEV, Chief Operating Officer.

Success of the 1720th launch of Soyuz

Evry, May 12, 2007

The 1720th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Saturday, May 12, 2007 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 9:25 a.m. Baikonur time ( 5:25 a.m. , in Paris ).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the Progress cargo spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit for another mission to the International Space Station.

This was the third Soyuz family mission in 2007. This year, Starsem is planning to carry out several missions, including two launches of the Globalstar telecommunications satellites for the Globalstar LLC, one launch of the Radarsat-2 Earth observation satellite for the MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd and one launch of the Giove-B, the second Galileo In Orbit Validation Element for the European Space Agency.

With the introduction of the Soyuz at the Guiana Space Center (CSG), this famed Russian medium-class launch vehicle becomes an integral part of the European launcher fleet, together with the heavy-lift Ariane 5 and the lightweight Vega. To be offered to the commercial market, the Soyuz at CSG is Europe 's reference medium-class launch vehicle for governmental and commercial missions.

The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency, MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd and Globalstar LLC.

Success of the 1719th launch of Soyuz

Evry, April 7, 2007

The 1719th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Saturday, April 7, 2007 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 11:31 p.m. Baikonur time ( 7:31 p.m. , in Paris ).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the Soyuz TMA-10 manned transport spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit for another mission to the International Space Station.

This was the second Soyuz family mission in 2007. This year, Starsem is planning to carry out several missions, including two launches of the Globalstar telecommunications satellites for Globalstar LLC, one launch of the Radarsat-2 Earth observation satellite for the MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd and one launch of the Giove-B satellite for the European Space Agency.

With the introduction of the Soyuz at the Guiana Space Center (CSG), this famed Russian medium-class launch vehicle becomes an integral part of the European launcher fleet, together with the heavy-lift Ariane 5 and the lightweight Vega. To be offered to the commercial market, the Soyuz at CSG is Europe 's reference medium-class launch vehicle for governmental and commercial missions.

The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for Eumetsat, the European Space Agency, Globalstar LLC and MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.

Success of the 1718th launch of Soyuz

Evry, January 18, 2007

The 1718th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Thursday, January 18, 2007 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 8:12 a.m. Baikonur time (3:12 a.m., in Paris).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the Progress cargo spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit for another mission to the International Space Station.

This was the first Soyuz family mission in 2007. It came after the successful Starsem's launch of the Corot, the astrophysics pioneer mission in the discovery of telluric extrasolar planets, using the next generation evolved Soyuz 2-1b launch vehicle.

With the introduction of the Soyuz at the Guiana Space Center (CSG), this famed Russian launch vehicle becomes an integral part of the European launcher fleet, together with the heavy-lift Ariane 5 and the lightweight Vega. To be offered exclusively by Arianespace to the commercial market, the Soyuz at CSG is Europe's reference medium-class launch vehicle for governmental and commercial missions.

The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency, MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd and Globalstar LLC.

Successful mission by Starsem and Arianespace orbits COROT science satellite

Evry, December 27, 2006

On Wednesday afternoon, December 27, Arianespace and Starsem successfully launched the stellar observation satellite COROT for French space agency CNES.

The 1,717th launch of a Soyuz family launch vehicle took place from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz-Fregat 2-1b version of the launcher lifted off as scheduled at 8:23 p.m. local time on December 27, 2006 (14:23 UTC, 3:23 p.m. in Paris).

Arianespace, Starsem and their Russian partners confirmed that the launcher's Fregat upper stage accurately injected the COROT satellite into its targeted circular polar orbit. Two successive burns of the Fregat upper stage were carried out for this mission, placing the Corot spacecraft into its polar orbit at an altitude of 896 kilometers, 50 minutes after liftoff.

Debut of the Soyuz 2-1b
The COROT satellite launch was performed under the responsibility of Arianespace and Starsem, using for the first time the Soyuz 2-1b launch vehicle. This new version features a more powerful third-stage engine, as well as a digital control system, like the 2-1a version. The latest version of the launcher will be an integral part of the project to operate Soyuz rockets from the Guiana Space Center.

COROT, a world first in space astronomy
The COROT satellite, which weighed 630 kg at launch, is a space observatory designed to study stars and search for new planets. It was built by Alcatel Alenia Space using the Proteus multimission platform. A world first, this scientific mission has two primary objectives: studying the internal structure of stars, and detecting planets outside our solar system.

Today's successful Soyuz launch clearly reflects the industrial capabilities of the Samara Space Center (TsSKB-Progress), as well as the efficiency of the teams in charge of Soyuz operations, working under the authority of the Russian space agency Roscosmos.

Starsem is responsible for international marketing of the Soyuz launch vehicle, as well as its operation. Starsem's shareholders are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian space agency Roscosmos and the Samara Space Center (TsSKB-Progress).

Success of the 1716th launch of Soyuz

Evry, December 24, 2006

The 1716th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Sunday, December 24, 2006 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia at 11:34 a.m. Moscow time ( 09:34 a.m. , in Paris ).

Starsem and its Russian partners report that the governmental spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit.

This was the eleventh Soyuz family mission in 2006 and the second mission using Soyuz 2-1a, an enhanced version of the Soyuz launch vehicle. Last October, the upgraded Soyuz 2-1a was successfully launched by Starsem with the MetOp-A, Europe’s first polar-orbiting satellite dedicated to operational meteorology. Starsem is currently preparing with Arianespace the flight of the next generation evolved Soyuz 2-1b launch vehicle for the Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES), launching Corot, the astrophysics pioneer mission in the discovery of telluric extrasolar planets.

With the introduction of the Soyuz at the Guiana Space Center (CSG), this famed Russian launch vehicle becomes an integral part of the European launcher fleet, together with the heavy-lift Ariane 5 and the lightweight Vega. To be offered exclusively by Arianespace to the commercial market, the Soyuz at CSG is Europe 's reference medium-class launch vehicle for governmental and commercial missions.

The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency, MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd and Globalstar LLC.

Success of the 1715th launch of Soyuz

Evry, October 23, 2006

The 1715th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Monday, October 23, 2006 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 7:40 p.m. Baikonur time (3:40 p.m., in Paris).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the Progress cargo spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit for another mission to the International Space Station.

This was the tenth Soyuz family mission in 2006. It came after the successful Starsem's launch of the MetOp-A, Europe's first polar-orbiting satellite dedicated to operational meteorology. Before the end of this year, Starsem will prepare the flight of the next generation evolved Soyuz 2-1b launch vehicle for the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), launching Corot, the astrophysics pioneer mission in the discovery of telluric extrasolar planets.

Starsem is the Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation and international commercial marketing of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Samara Space Center.

The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency, MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd and Globalstar LLC.

Starsem successfully launches MetOp-A

Baikonur, October 19, 2006

On Thursday, October 19, Starsem successfully launched MetOp-A, Europe's first polar-orbiting satellite dedicated to operational meteorology.

The Soyuz 2-1a, an enhanced version of the Soyuz launcher, lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan right on schedule at 10:28 p.m. local time (04:28 p.m. UTC, 06:28 p.m. in Paris). It is the 1,714th launch of a rocket from the Soyuz family.

Starsem and its Russian partners confirmed that the Fregat orbital stage accurately injected Eumetsat's MetOp-A satellite into its Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO). The Fregat upper stage was ignited twice to place MetOp-A into orbit 1 hour, 8 minutes after lift-off.

The MetOp-A satellite will provide more precise details about atmospheric temperature and moisture profiles, invaluable for weather forecasting and climate monitoring. The MetOp program was jointly established by the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) and the European Space Agency (ESA). Their main partners in this co-operative venture are the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) in France and the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

For this flight, Starsem used the upgraded Soyuz 2-1a, flown with the new ST fairing. The 2-1a configuration features improved navigation accuracy and control capability provided by a digital control system. The 2-1a configuration also enables Starsem to introduce the ST payload fairing with an external diameter of 4.1 meters and a length of 11.4 meters.

This latest successful launch by Soyuz reflects the industrial capabilities of the Samara Space Center (TsSKB-Progress) and the skills of all the operating teams, working under the authority of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos).

Starsem is responsible for the international marketing and operation of Soyuz launchers. Its shareholders are Arianespace, EADS, Roscosmos and the Samara Space Center.

Soyuz-MetOp: Launch postponement

Baikonur, Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Due to bad meteorological conditions, the MetOp-A launch is postponed.

The new launch attempt will then take place on Thursday, October 19, at 10:28 p.m., Baikonur time (6:28 p.m., in Paris).

Soyuz-MetOp: new launch attempt on Thursday, 19 October

Baikonur, Thursday, October 19, 2006

The meteorological conditions are now favorable over the Baikonur cosmodrome, a new launch attempt of MetOp-A is planned today at 10:28 p.m., Baikonur time (6:28 p.m., in Paris).

Soyuz-MetOp: Launch postponement

Baikonur, Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Due to bad meteorological conditions, the MetOp-A launch is postponed.

The new launch attempt will then take place on Thursday, October 19, at 10:28 p.m., Baikonur time (6:28 p.m., in Paris).

Soyuz-MetOp: new launch attempt on Wednesday, 18 October

Evry, October 18, 2006

Following the verifications made during the night, the origin of the countdown stop one minute ten seconds before the lift-off, related to the ground control system, was identified and corrected.

The new launch attempt will then take place today at 10:28 p.m., Baikonur time (6:28, in Paris).

MetOp-A launch now scheduled on Tuesday, October 17

Evry, October 5, 2006

After completion of further checks on the Soyuz launch system, Starsem and its Russian partners, in coordination with Eumetsat and ESA, have now scheduled the launch of MetOp-A on Tuesday, October 17, 2006.

MetOp-A launch postponed several days

Evry, October 2, 2006

Following a non-conformity observed during a handling operation on the upper composite of the launcher, Starsem has decided to carry out additional checks.

These checks will postpone by several days the originally scheduled launch date of Saturday, October 7. A new launch date will be announced very shortly.

Success of the 1713th launch of Soyuz

Evry, September 18, 2006

The 1713th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Monday, September 18, 2006 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 10:08 a.m. Baikonur time (6:08 a.m., in Paris).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the Soyuz TMA-9 manned transport spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit for another mission to the International Space Station. This was the eighth Soyuz family mission in 2006.

The next Soyuz flight will be accomplished by Starsem for the European Eumetsat Organization, launching MetOp-A, the first European satellite in polar orbit dedicated to meteorology and climate observation.

Starsem is the Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation and international commercial marketing of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Samara Space Center.

The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency, Eumetsat, MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd and Globalstar LLC.

Success of the 1712th launch of Soyuz

Evry, September 14, 2006

The 1712th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Thursday, September 14, 2006 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 7:41 p.m. Baikonur time (3:41 p.m., in Paris).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the governmental spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit. This was the seventh Soyuz family mission in 2006.

Success of the 1711th launch of Soyuz

Evry, July 21, 2006

The 1711th flight of a Soyuz family launch vehicle (Molnia) was performed Friday, July 21, 2006 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia at 8:20 a.m. Moscow time (6:20 a.m., in Paris).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the governmental spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit. This was the sixth Soyuz family mission in 2006.

Launch postponement for the MetOp-A satellite

Baikonur, Thursday, July 20, 2006

After the difficulties encountered during multiple attempts to launch the MetOp-A satellite on the Soyuz/ST launcher, Starsem and its Russian partners - in agreement with Eumetsat and ESA - have decided to suspend launch operations.

The launch vehicle and its satellite will be returned to the launcher integration facility (MIK).

In parallel, a new operations plan is to be established in order to determine the new launch date.

MetOp-A: launch postponed

Baikonur, Wednesday, July 19, 2006

During the final countdown for the launch of Eumetsat's MetOp-A satellite, an anomaly occurred.

As a result, Starsem and its Russian partners have decided to carry out complementary verifications.

A new launch date will be set in the coming hours.

MetOp-A satellite launch

Baikonur, Wednesday, July 19, 2006

After the completion of additional verifications performed on the launcher, the final countdown for the launch of Eumetsat's MetOp-A satellite has resumed.

The launch is planned for this evening, Wednesday 19 July, at 22h28 (local time at Baikonur Cosmodrome), 18h28 (Paris time).

Postponement of the MetOp-A launch

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Tuesday, July 18, 2006

The launch of the MetOp-A satellite has been postponed because of an anomaly with a component on the launcher.

An investigation of the situation is underway. A new launch date will be announced in the next few hours.

MetOp-A: launch postponed

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Monday, July 17, 2006

During the final countdown for the launch of Eumetsat's MetOp-A satellite, an anomaly occurred in the launcher's electrical system.

As a result, Starsem and its Russian partners have decided to carry out complementary verifications.

A new launch date will be set in the coming hours.

Success of the 1710th launch of Soyuz

Evry, June 24, 2006

The 1710th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Saturday, June 24, 2006 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 9:08 p.m. Baikonur time (5:08 p.m., in Paris).

Starsem is the Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation and international commercial marketing of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Samara Space Center.

The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency, Eumetsat, MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd and Globalstar LLC.

Success of the 1709th launch of Soyuz

Evry, June 15, 2006

The 1709th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Thursday, June 15, 2006 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 2:00 p.m. Baikonur time (10:00 a.m., in Paris).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the remote sensing spacecraft Resurs-DK was accurately placed on the target orbit. This was the fourth Soyuz family mission in 2006.

The next Soyuz flight will launch the Progress cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station, followed by the Starsem mission that will be accomplished for the European Eumetsat Organization, launching MetOp-A, the first European satellite in polar orbit dedicated to meteorology and climate observation.

Starsem is the Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation and international commercial marketing of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Samara Space Center.

The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency, Eumetsat, MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd and Globalstar LLC.

Starsem Annual Shareholders' Meeting: Renewal of the Board of Directors

Evry, France, May 17, 2006

The shareholders of Starsem (EADS, the Roscosmos Russian Federal Space Agency, the TsSKB-Progress Samara Space Center and Arianespace) met for the company's Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, May 17 in Berlin, Germany.

On this occasion, they approved the results of the financial year ending December 31, 2005, during which Starsem performed three launches that successfully orbited the Galaxy 14, Venus Express and Giove-A payloads. This activity generated sales of 97.82 million euros, with a net profit of 1.27 million euros.

In addition, the Annual General Meeting named the following as directors of the company:

François Auque,

Françoise Bouzitat,

Alain Charmeau,

Alexander Kiriline,

Jean-Yves Le Gall,

Alexander Medvedtchikov,

Boris Melioransky,

Victor Nikolaev.

At the completion of the Annual General Meeting, Starsem's Board of Directors met to name Jean-Yves Le Gall as the company's Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (which is in addition to Le Gall's parallel responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace). The Starsem Board also named Victor Nikolaev as the company's Deputy Chief Executive Officer. In addition, the Board paid tribute to the personal actions of Jean-Marie Luton during the past 10 years in supporting European-Russian space cooperation, and decided to name him Starsem's Honorary Chairman.

Starsem plans to perform three launches this year: MetOp 1 (Eumetsat), Corot (CNES), and Giove-B (ESA); followed by three missions in 2007: Radarsat 2 (Canada), and Globalstar 1 and 2 (Globalstar). In parallel, Starsam is actively participating in the development and preparation of the new Soyuz launch facility at the Guiana Space Center.

Success of the 1708th launch of Soyuz

Evry, May 3, 2006

The 1708th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Wednesday, May 3, 2006 from the Plessetsk Cosmodrome in Russia at 9:38 p.m. Moscow time (7:38 p.m., in Paris).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the governmental spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit. This was the third Soyuz family mission in 2006.

The next Starsem flight will be accomplished for the European Eumetsat Organization, launching the MetOp, the first European system in polar orbit dedicated to meteorology and climate observation.

Starsem is the Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation and international commercial marketing of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Samara Space Center.

The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency, Eumetsat, MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd and Globalstar LLC.

Success of the 1707th launch of Soyuz

Evry, April 24, 2006

The 1707th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Monday, April 24, 2006 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 10:03 p.m. Baikonur time (6:03 p.m., in Paris).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the Progress spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit for another mission to the ISS.

This was the second Soyuz family mission in 2006. The next Starsem flight will be accomplished for the European Eumetsat Organization, launching the MetOp, the first European system in polar orbit dedicated to meteorology and climate observation.

Starsem is the Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation and international commercial marketing of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Samara Space Center.

The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency, Eumetsat, MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd and Globalstar LLC.

Success of the 1706th launch of Soyuz

Evry, March 30, 2006

The 1706th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Thursday, March 30, 2006 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 8:30 a.m. Baikonur time (4:30 a.m., in Paris).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the Soyuz TMA-8 manned transport spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit for another mission to the ISS.

This was the first Soyuz family mission in 2006. The previous Soyuz flight was accomplished by Starsem for the European Space Agency, launching the Giove-A, the first Galileo In Orbit Validation Element for Europe's new global satellite navigation system.

Starsem is the Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation and international commercial marketing of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Samara Space Center.

The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency, Eumetsat, MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd and Globalstar LLC.

Ready to accommodate Soyuz-ST

Evry, January 31, 2006

The new Soyuz-ST system validation campaign (Dry Run) has been successfully carried out in Baikonur (Kazakhstan). The main objective of the Dry Run was to verify the readiness of the Baikonur launch facilities to accommodate the new ST-type fairing, with an external diameter of 4.1 m and a length of 11.4 m, and the digital control system, flight-qualified in November 2004 on Soyuz 2-1a. These two major upgrades will enable the Soyuz to carry larger payloads and give it improved navigation accuracy and control capability.

The main steps of this Dry Run consisted of assembling the upper composite in the Starsem Payload Processing Facilities, mating the upper composite with the Soyuz lower three stages, rolling out the Soyuz launcher from the launch vehicle's assembly and integration facility, set up on the launch pad and global test preparation.

The successful Soyuz-ST system validation in Baikonur is a major step for the preparation of the MetOp 1 meteorological satellite launch campaign for Eumetsat, the European organization, one of the next Starsem missions starting in the coming months.

Starsem is the Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation and international commercial marketing of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Samara Space Center.

The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency, Eumetsat, MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd and Globalstar LLC.

Soyuz to launch Radarsat-2

Evry, January 9, 2006

Starsem announces today the signing of a contract with MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd (MDA) for the launch of MDA's RADARSAT-2 Earth observation satellite by a Soyuz launch vehicle.

The launch is planned to take place in December 2006 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Earth observation satellite will be placed into a Sun Synchronous Orbit, at 798 kilometers altitude.

Starsem is the Soyuz company, bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation and international commercial marketing of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Samara Space Center. The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency, Eumetsat and Globalstar LLC.

Mission success for Starsem: Europe's first navigation satellite in orbit

Baikonur, December 28, 2005

On Wednesday morning, December 28, Starsem successfully launched GIOVE-A, the first Galileo In Orbit Validation Element for Europe's new global satellite navigation system.

The 1,705th Soyuz family rocket, using the Soyuz-Fregat version, was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan right on schedule at 11:19 am local time (05:19 GMT, 6:19 a.m. in Paris).

Starsem and its Russian partners confirmed that the Fregat orbital stage accurately injected the European Space Agency's GIOVE-A satellite into its circular medium Earth orbit (MEO). The Fregat stage was ignited three times in succession to carry out this mission, placing GIOVE-A into orbit 3 hours and 42 minutes after liftoff.

Following today's launch, Jean-Yves Le Gall, the Chief Executive Officer for Arianespace and Starsem, said: "This latest success for the Soyuz launcher once again underscores the value of our launcher family strategy. After last Wednesday 's Ariane 5 launch, we are bringing 2005 to a close on a high note - with 11 satellites launched this year, which is more than all of our competitors combined."

The GIOVE-A satellite will be used to validate the critical technologies now under development for Galileo, and to secure the frequencies allotted to this European navigation system by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The satellite weighed about 600 kg. at launch, and was built by Surrey Space Technology Ltd. (SSTL) of the United Kingdom.

Today's launch was the fourth Starsem mission for the European Space Agency, following Cluster II, Mars Express and, most recently, the Venus Express, launched in November. It also marks the third launch by Starsem in 2005. Starsem had already teamed up with Arianespace in August to place the U.S. Galaxy 14 satellite into geostationary transfer orbit, and on November 9 it lofted the Venus Express interplanetary probe into a liberation orbit.

This latest successful launch by Soyuz reflects the industrial capabilities of the Samara Space Center (TsSKB-Progress) and the skills of the operating teams, working under the authority of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos).

Starsem is responsible for the international marketing and operation of Soyuz launchers. Its shareholders are Arianespace, EADS, Roscosmos and the Samara Space Center.

Success of the 1704th launch of Soyuz

Evry, December 21, 2005

The 1704th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Thursday, December 22, 2005 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 0:38 a.m. Baikonur time (Wednesday, December 21, 2005 at 7:38 p.m., in Paris).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the Progress spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit for another mission to the ISS.

This was the eleventh Soyuz family mission in 2005. The next Soyuz flight will be accomplished by Starsem for the European Space Agency, launching the Giove-A spacecraft, the first European navigation satellite.

Soyuz sustained launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary launch vehicles. This rate also demonstrates Samara Space Center's continuous production capacity, as well as the operational capability of launch teams at Baikonur under the authority of the Russian Federal Space Agency.

Starsem is the Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation and international commercial marketing of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Samara Space Center.

The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency, Eumetsat and Globalstar LLC.

Starsem successfully launches Venus Express

Baikonur, November 9, 2005

On Wednesday morning, November 9, Starsem successfully launched the Venus Express interplanetary probe for the European Space Agency (ESA).

The 1,703rd Soyuz rocket (using a Soyuz-Fregat version) was launched today from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The launch vehicle lifted off on schedule at 03:33 UTC, or 04:33 am in Paris.

Starsem and its Russian partners confirmed that the Fregat upper stage precisely injected the Venus Express spacecraft into the intended liberation orbit, 1 hour and 38 minutes after liftoff. The Fregat orbital stage was ignited twice in succession to carry out this mission.

Venus Express is Europe's second planetary exploration mission, following Mars Express, also launched by Starsem in June 2003. The Venus Express spacecraft will take 162 days to reach this planet.

Built by EADS Astrium, Venus Express weighed about 1,270 kg at launch. The spacecraft will study the atmosphere and clouds of Venus to a degree of precision never before achieved.

The latest successful Soyuz launch once again demonstrates the capabilities of the Samara Space Center (TsSKB-Progress) and its operating staff, working under the authority of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos.

Venus Express was the second successful mission this year for Starsem. On August 14, in conjunction with Arianespace, Starsem placed the American Galaxy 14 satellite into geostationary transfer orbit.

Starsem is a joint venture responsible for the international marketing and operation of the Soyuz launcher. Its shareholders are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian Federal Space Agency Roscosmos and the Samara Space Center (TsSKB-Progress).

Venus Express launch set for November 9

Evry, November 2, 2005

In agreement with the European Space Agency, Starsem and its Russian partners have set the launch date for the Venus Express spacecraft.

Launch is now scheduled for Wednesday, November 9, 2005 at 03:33 GMT, 4:33 am in Paris.

Venus Express postponed several days

Evry, October 21, 2005

During the final preparations for the launch of the European Space Agency's Venus Express spacecraft by a Soyuz-Fregat launcher, contamination was detected inside the launcher's fairing.

Starsem and ESA have therefore decided to carry out additional checks, which will postpone the originally scheduled launch date of Wednesday, October 26, by several days.

A new launch date will be announced shortly.

Globalstar has reaffirmed its confidence in Soyuz

Evry, October 5, 2005

Starsem announces today the signing with Globalstar LLC of a new contract for one firm launch of the Globalstar constellation's replacement satellites with an option for a second by Soyuz launch vehicles.

The firm launch is planned to take place in the first semester of 2007 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The launch period shall be finalized upon completion of all necessary governmental approvals. The telecommunications satellites will be placed into a circular orbit, inclined at 52°, at 920 kilometers altitude.

The Globalstar constellation is designed to provide satellite voice and data services to its customers located around the world. Between February and November 1999, Starsem successfully launched twenty four Globalstar satellites, one half of the original constellation, using six Soyuz launch vehicles.

Globalstar LLC offers high value, quality satellite voice and data services to commercial users and vertical market applications from virtually anywhere in more than 120 countries. The company's voice and data products include mobile and fixed satellite units, simplex and duplex satellite data modems and flexible service packages. Many industries benefit from Globalstar with increased productivity from remote areas beyond cellular and landline service. Global customer segments include: oil and gas, government, mining, forestry, commercial fishing, utilities, military, transportation, heavy construction, as well as individual users. For more information, visit Globalstar's web site at www.globalstar.com.

Starsem is the Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation and international commercial marketing of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Samara Space Center. The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency, Eumetsat and Globalstar LLC.

Success of the 1702nd launch of Soyuz

Evry, October 1, 2005

The 1702nd flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Saturday, October 1, 2005 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 9:54 a.m. Baikonur time (5:54 a.m., in Paris).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the Soyuz TMA-7 manned transport spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit for another mission to the ISS.

This was the ninth Soyuz family mission in 2005. The next Soyuz flight will be accomplished by Starsem for the European Space Agency, launching the Venus Express interplanetary probe, scheduled for October 26, 2005.

Starsem is the Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation and international commercial marketing of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Samara Space Center.

The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency and Eumetsat.

Success of the 1701st launch of Soyuz

Evry, September 8, 2005

The 1701st flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Thursday, September 8, 2005 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 7:07 p.m. Baikonur time (3:07 p.m., in Paris).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that that the Progress spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit for another mission to the ISS.

This was the eighth Soyuz family mission in 2005. The Soyuz August's mission was the successful launch of the Galaxy 14 telecommunications satellite into the targeted geostationary transfer orbit (GTO).

Starsem is the Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation and international commercial marketing of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Samara Space Center.

The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency and Eumetsat.

Success of the 1700th launch of Soyuz

Evry, September 2, 2005

The 1700th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Friday, September 2, 2005 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 3:50 p.m. Baikonur time (11:50 a.m., in Paris).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the governmental spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit.

This was the seventh Soyuz family mission in 2005. The previous mission was the successful launch of the Galaxy 14 telecommunications satellite into the targeted geostationary transfer orbit (GTO).

Starsem is the Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation and international commercial marketing of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Samara Space Center.

The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency and Eumetsat.

Mission success for Starsem and Arianespace: the Galaxy 14 satellite is in orbit

Baikonur Cosmodrome, August 14, 2005

Starsem and Arianespace today successfully launched the Galaxy 14 telecommunications satellite for U.S. operator PanAmSat.

The 1,699th launch of a Soyuz family launch vehicle took place from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz-Fregat launcher version lifted off as scheduled at 5:28 a.m. local time on August 14 (23:28 UTC on Saturday August 13; 01:28 a.m. Paris time on August 14).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners confirmed that the launcher's Fregat upper stage accurately injected Galaxy 14 into the targeted geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). To achieve the mission, two successive burns of the Fregat upper stage were performed, placing the Galaxy 14 spacecraft on its transfer orbit 1 hour and 37 minutes after lift-off.

To comply with PanAmSat's requirements, Arianespace and Starsem decided that the launch of Galaxy 14 - initially planned on an Ariane 5 - would be performed by a Soyuz vehicle. This transfer was made possible with the launcher family concept developed by Arianespace and Starsem, which provides the maximum responsiveness to customers' needs.

With a liftoff mass of approximately 2,000 kg., Galaxy 14 is the second in a series of new-generation satellites ordered by PanAmSat from Orbital Sciences Corporation to provide additional power, greater flexibility and service availability to its customers. This all C-band spacecraft is designed to deliver digital video programming, high-definition television (HDTV), VOD and IPTV service throughout the continental U.S. Galaxy 14 is equipped with 24 C-band transponders, and will join the Galaxy 12 spacecraft at 125° West - one of PanAmSat's key orbital positions for the North American continent.

Galaxy 14 is the 19th satellite orbited by the Arianespace family of launchers for PanAmSat. PanAmSat began operations in the late 1980s with its first spacecraft, PAS-1, which was orbited in June 1988 on the maiden flight of Arianespace's Ariane 4 launcher.

Today's latest success for Soyuz with Galaxy 14 clearly reflects the industrial capabilities of the Samara Space Center (prime contractor for the Soyuz launcher), as well as the availability of the Russian teams in charge of Soyuz operations, which are managed by the Russian Federal Space Agency.

Starsem is responsible for international marketing of the Soyuz launch vehicle, as well as for its operation. Starsem's shareholders are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Samara Space Center.

Success of the 1697th launch of Soyuz

Evry, June 17, 2005

The 1697th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Friday, June 17, 2005 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 5:09 a.m. Baikonur time (1:09 a.m., in Paris).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the Progress spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit for another service mission to the ISS.

This was the fourth Soyuz family mission in 2005. Last year, Soyuz was launched 9 times with 100% success. Twelve Soyuz flights are planned for 2005.

Starsem is the Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation and international commercial marketing of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Samara Space Center.

The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency, Eumetsat and PanAmSat.

Success of the 1696th launch of Soyuz

Evry, May 31, 2005

The 1696th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Tuesday, May 31, 2005 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 6:00 p.m. Baikonur time (2:00 p.m., in Paris).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the Foton-M2 spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit.

This was the third Soyuz family mission in 2005. Last year, Soyuz was launched 9 times with 100% success. Twelve Soyuz flights are planned for 2005.

Starsem is the Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation and international commercial marketing of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Samara Space Center.

The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency, Eumetsat and PanAmSat.

Success of the 1695th launch of Soyuz

Evry, April 15, 2005

The 1695th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Friday, April 15, 2005 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 6:46 a.m. Baikonur time (2:46 a.m., in Paris).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the Soyuz TMA-6 manned transport spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit for another mission to the ISS.

This was the second Soyuz family mission in 2005. Last year, Soyuz was launched 9 times with 100% success. Twelve Soyuz flights are planned for 2005.

Starsem is the Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation and international commercial marketing of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Samara Space Center.

The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency, Eumetsat and PanAmSat.

Reorganization at Starsem

Evry, March 31, 2005

Effective today, Starsem is reorganizing its management team. Jean-Marie Luton will remain Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Jean-Yves Le Gall will remain Chief Executive Officer. The company's management committee now comprises the following members:

· Victor Nikolaev, Chief Operating Officer
· Eva Portier, Vice President, Finance
· François Maroquene, Vice President, Sales & Marketing
· Pascal Claudel, Vice President, Technical
· Marc Grosheitsch, Vice President, Missions
· Claire Coulbeaux, Vice President, Communications.

Success of the 1694th launch of Soyuz

Evry, March 1, 2005

The 1694th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Tuesday, March 1, 2005 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 0:09 a.m. Baikonur time (8:09 p.m. Paris time on Monday, February 28, 2005).

Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the Progress spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit for another service mission to the ISS.

This was the first Soyuz family mission in 2005. Last year, Soyuz was launched 9 times with 100% success. Twelve Soyuz flights are planned for 2005.

With the introduction of the Soyuz at CSG, this famed Russian launch vehicle becomes an integral part of the European launcher fleet, together with the heavy-lift Ariane 5 and the lightweight Vega. To be offered exclusively by Arianespace to the commercial market, the Soyuz at CSG is Europe's reference medium-class launch vehicle for governmental and commercial missions.

Starsem is the Soyuz Company, bringing together all key players involved in the production, operation and international commercial marketing of the world's most versatile launch vehicle. Shareholders in Starsem are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian Federal Space Agency and the Samara Space Center.

The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the European Space Agency, Eumetsat and PanAmSat.

For more information, please contact :

Corporate Communication
STARSEM SA
2, rue François Truffaut
91042 EVRY Cedex
FRANCE
Tel: +33 1-69-87-01-10
Fax: +33 1-60-78-31-99

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