Success of
the 1687th Launch of Soyuz
Evry, April 19, 2004
The 1687th flight
of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Monday, April 19, 2004
from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 9:18 a.m. Baikonur
time (5:18 a.m., in Paris).
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the Soyuz TMA-4 manned transport
spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit. The international
team is composed of Gennady Padalka, Russian cosmonaut, Edward
Michael Fincke, American astronaut and André Kuipers,
ESA's European astronaut.
This was the third
Soyuz family mission in 2004. Last year, Soyuz was launched
10 times with 100% success and performed its first GTO mission
with Israeli Amos 2 satellite. Ten Soyuz flights are planned
for 2004.
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 and Eumetsat.
Soyuz to launch
Galileo
Washington,
March 3, 2004
While the Mars
Express mission launched by Starsem last June 2 is successfully
on its way, Starsem and Arianespace announce today at Satellite
2004 the signing with the European Space Agency (ESA) of the
GSTB contract (Galileo System Test Bed) for the launches of
two experimental Galileo satellites by two Soyuz launch vehicles.
The first of the
two launches will be performed from the Baikonur cosmodrome
by the end of 2005. This marks the first step in the in-orbit
validation of the Galileo system, in particular ensuring the
frequencies allocated to this European satellite navigation
program.
Today's contract
reflects the complementary capabilities of Soyuz and Ariane
5 in meeting the strategic challenges of European space policy,
as exemplified by the Galileo program. The decision by ESA's
Council on February 4 to install a Soyuz launch pad at the Guiana
Space Center further confirms the synergies between the Ariane
5 and Soyuz launch systems.
Galileo
is the first complete civil satellite navigation system which
will provide accurate and secure positioning services. Galileo
is a joint initiative from the European Union and the European
Space Agency. The fully deployed Galileo system consists of
30 satellites (27 operational + 3 active spares), positioned
in three circular Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) planes at 23616 km
altitude above the Earth, and at an inclination to the orbital
planes of 56 degrees with reference to the equatorial plane
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 Aviation and Space
Agency and the Samara Space Center. The Starsem manifest for
Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for the
European Space Agency and Eumetsat.
Arianespace
is the world's first commercial space transportation company
and is in charge of marketing launch services to customers,
financing and supervision of the construction of Ariane expendable
launch vehicles, insuring customers for launch risks and conducting
launches from Europe's Spaceport of Kourou in French Guiana.
As the launch services operator, it coordinates the three launchers
Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega, which comprise the European family
of launchers in the global launch services market.
Success of
the 1686th Launch of Soyuz
Evry, February
18, 2004
The 1686th flight
of a Soyuz family launch vehicle (Molnia) was performed Wednesday,
February 18, 2004 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia at
10:05 a.m. Moscow time (8:05 a.m., in Paris).
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the governmental spacecraft was
accurately placed on the target orbit.
The launch was performed
in the presence of Vladimir Putin, the President of the Russian
Federation.
This was the second
Soyuz family mission in 2004. Last year, Soyuz was launched
10 times with 100% success and performed its first GTO mission
with Israeli Amos 2 satellite. Ten Soyuz flights are planned
for 2004.
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
Aviation and 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 Aviation and 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 1685th Launch of Soyuz
Evry, January
29, 2004
The 1685th flight
of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Thursday, January 29,
2004 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 4:58 p.m.
Baikonur time (12:58 p.m., in Paris).
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the Progress spacecraft was accurately
placed on the target orbit.
This was the first
Soyuz family mission in 2004. Last year, Soyuz was launched
10 times with 100% success and performed its first GTO mission
with the Israeli Amos 2 satellite. 10 Soyuz flights are planned
for 2004.
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
Aviation and 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 Aviation and Space Agency and the Samara Space
Center.
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
the European Space Agency and Eumetsat.
Starsem and Arianespace orbit Amos 2
Baikonur, Sunday December 28, 2003 - Starsem and Arianespace today orbited the Israeli communications satellite Amos 2.
The 1,684th launch of a Soyuz family launch vehicle (using the Soyuz-Fregat version) took place at the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The launcher lifted off as scheduled at 2:30 am local time on Sunday December 28 (i.e. 21:30 UTC on Saturday December 27, 10:30 pm Paris time on Saturday December 27).
Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners confirmed that the Fregat upper stage accurately injected the Amos 2 satellite into the targeted orbit. This was the Soyuz launcher's first geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) mission. Three successive burns of the Fregat upper stage were performed to inject the Amos 2 spacecraft on its transfer orbit, 6 hours and 45 minutes after lift-off.
To comply with Israel Aircraft Industries' (IAI) requirements, Arianespace and Starsem had decided, in agreement with the Israeli operator Spacecom Ltd, that the Amos 2 spacecraft launch, initially planned by an Ariane 5, would be performed by a Soyuz launch vehicle. This decision reflects the policy set up by Arianespace and Starsem to meet customers' needs, providing enhanced flexibility based on a family of launch vehicles.
Today's launch was also the 12th carried out by Starsem, which is responsible for international marketing of the Soyuz launch vehicle, as well as for its operation. Starsem's shareholders are Arianespace, EADS, the Russian Aviation and Space Agency and the Samara Space Center.
This new successful Soyuz launch clearly reflects the industrial capabilities of the Samara Space Center as well as the availability of the Russian teams in charge of Soyuz operation, managed by the Russian Aviation and Space Agency.
In 1996, Arianespace had already launched the first Israeli communications satellite, Amos 1. Co-located with Amos 1, at 4 degrees West over the Gulf of Guinea, Amos 2 will provide additional high-power transmission capacity for Europe, the Middle East and the East coast of the United States. The satellite was designed and built by MBT Space Division of IAI. Weighing 1,374 kg at lift-off and equipped with 14 transponders, Amos 2 will be operated by Spacecom Ltd.
Success of
the 1683rd Launch of Soyuz
Evry, October
18, 2003
The 1683rd flight
of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Saturday, October 18,
2003 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 11:38 a.m.
Baikonur time (7:38 a.m., in Paris).
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the Soyuz TMA-3 manned transport
spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit. The international
team is composed of Alexander Kaleri, Russian cosmonaut, Michael
Foale, American astronaut and Pedro Duque, ESA's European astronaut.
This was the 9th
Soyuz family mission in 2003.
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
Aviation and 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 Aviation and Space Agency and the Samara Space
Center.
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
the European Space Agency, Eumetsat and Space Systems/Loral.
Success of
the 1682nd Launch of Soyuz
Evry, August
29, 2003
The 1682nd flight
of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Friday, August 29, 2003
from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 7:47 a.m. Baikonur
time (3:47 a.m., in Paris).
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the Progress spacecraft was accurately
placed on the target orbit.
This was the 8th
Soyuz family mission in 2003.
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
Aviation and 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 Aviation and Space Agency and the Samara Space
Center.
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
the European Space Agency, Eumetsat and Space Systems/Loral.
Success of
the 1681st Launch of Soyuz
Evry, August
12, 2003
The 1681st flight
of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Tuesday, August 12,
2003 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 8:20 p.m.
Baikonur time (4:20 p.m., in Paris).
Starsem and its Russian partners
report that the governmental spacecraft was accurately placed
on the target orbit.
This was the 7th Soyuz family
mission in 2003.
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
Aviation and 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 Aviation and Space Agency and the Samara Space
Center.
The Starsem manifest for Soyuz
missions currently includes contracted launches for the European
Space Agency, Eumetsat and Space Systems/Loral.
Success of
the 1680th Launch of Soyuz
Evry, June
20, 2003
The 1680th flight
of a Soyuz family launch vehicle (Molnia) was performed Friday,
June 20, 2003 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia at 0:34
a.m. Moscow time (10:34 p.m., in Paris).
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the governmental spacecraft was
accurately placed on the target orbit.
This was the 6th
Soyuz family mission in 2003.
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
Aviation and 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 Aviation and Space Agency and the Samara Space
Center.
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
the European Space Agency, Eumetsat and Space Systems/Loral.
First Mars,
then Venus: Europe has reaffirmed its trust in Soyuz: next stop
Venus in 2005 !
Evry, June
17, 2003
Just two weeks after
having flawlessly carried out its mission to send Mars Express
on its way towards the Red Planet, the European-Russian company
Starsem reinforces its privileged relationship with the European
Space Agency with the signature of the Venus Express launch
services agreement.
The contract was
signed at Le Bourget (Paris) Air Show, Tuesday, June 17, 2003,
by David Southwood, Director of Science for the European Space
Agency, and Jean-Marie Luton, CEO of Starsem. Yuri Koptev, General
Director of the Russian Aviation and Space Agency Rosaviakosmos,
Jean-Jacques Dordain, Director of Launchers for the European
Space Agency, and Jean-Yves Le Gall, CEO of Arianespace, also
attended the ceremony.
The launch of Venus
Express will take place in November 2005 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome
in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz launch vehicle will send the spacecraft
on its way towards our nearest planetary neighbor.
Europe's latest
vote of confidence in the Soyuz continues a long tradition of
cooperation between Europe and Russia. This announcement comes
soon after the decision by European space ministers to build
a Soyuz launch pad at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
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 Aviation and Space Agency and the Samara Space
Center.
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
the European Space Agency, Eumetsat and Space Systems/Loral.
Success of
the 1679th Launch of Soyuz
Evry, June
8, 2003
The 1679th flight
of a Soyuz family launch vehicle was performed Sunday, June
8, 2003 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
The launcher lifted
off on schedule at 4:34 p.m. Baikonur local time (12:34 p.m.,
in Paris), and the Progress spacecraft was accurately placed
on the target orbit.
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
Aviation and 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 EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara
Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, the European Space Agency and Eumetsat.
Soyuz launches
Europe on the fast track to Mars
Evry, June
2, 2003
During the night
of June 2, 2003, Starsem has successfully launched the European
Space Agency's Mars Express interplanetary probe to the Red
Planet.
The 1678th flight
of a Soyuz family launch vehicle was performed from the Baikonur
Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The launch vehicle lifted off on schedule
at 11:45:26 p.m. Baikonur time, 7:45:26 p.m., Paris time.
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the Fregat upper stage has accurately
placed the probe and its lander -Beagle 2- on the targeted trajectory.
As planned, two successive Fregat burns have been performed
to reach the right trajectory: the first one occurred almost
ten minutes after the lift-off, and was followed by a second
ignition one hour and 7 minutes later, lasting for almost 14
minutes. One and a half hour after lift-off Mars Express was
separated and injected on its way to Mars.
The first European
mission to Mars will reach its destination in December 2003,
after a six months cruise.
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
Aviation and 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 EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara
Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, the European Space Agency and Eumetsat.
Success of
the 1677th Launch of Soyuz
Evry, April
26, 2003
The 1677th flight
of a Soyuz family launch vehicle, Soyuz-FG version, was performed
on Saturday, April 26, 2003 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in
Kazakhstan.
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the Soyuz TMA-2 manned transport
spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit.
The launcher lifted
off on schedule at 09:53 a.m. Baikonur local time (05:53 a.m.,
in Paris).
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
Aviation and 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 EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara
Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
Success of
the 1676th Launch of Soyuz
Evry, April
2, 2003
The 1676th flight
of a Soyuz family launch vehicle (Molnia) was performed on Wednesday,
April 2, 2003 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia.
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the governmental spacecraft was
accurately placed on the target orbit.
The launcher lifted
off on schedule at 5:53 a.m. Moscow time (3:53 a.m., in Paris).
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.
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 EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara
Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
Success of the 1675th Launch
of Soyuz
Evry, February
2, 2003
The 1675th flight
of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Sunday, February 2,
2003 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The launcher
lifted off on schedule at 5:59 p.m. Baikonur local time (1:59
p.m., in Paris), and the Progress spacecraft was accurately
placed on the target orbit.
This was the
1st Soyuz mission in 2003.
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
Aviation and 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 EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara
Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
Success of the 1674th Launch
of Soyuz
Evry, December
24, 2002
The 1674th flight
of a Soyuz family launch vehicle (Molnia) was performed Tuesday,
December 24, 2002 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia.
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the governmental spacecraft was
accurately placed on the target orbit.
The launcher lifted
off on schedule at 15:20 p.m. Moscow time (13:20 p.m., in Paris).
This was the 9th
Soyuz family mission in 2002.
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
Aviation and 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 EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara
Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1673rd Successful
Launch of Soyuz
Paris, October
30, 2002
The 1673rd successful
flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Wednesday, October
30, 2002 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the Soyuz TMA-1 manned transport
spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit.
The launcher
lifted off on schedule at 8:11 a.m. Baikonur local time (4:11
a.m. in Paris).
This was the
8th Soyuz mission in 2002 and the 12th manned flight since 1996.
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. The 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
Aviation and 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 EADS (35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency
(25%), the Samara Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
Launch failure of Soyuz 1672
October 15, 2002
The launch of
a Russian Aviation and Space Agency Photon-M spacecraft, which
was performed from the military cosmodrome in Plesetsk with
a payload of international scientific instruments, did not attain
orbit because of the launcher's non-nominal operation during
its initial flight phase.
An investigation
commission has been created to determine the cause of the incident
- which occurred after a series of 75 consecutive successful
Soyuz launches.
1671st Successful
Launch of Soyuz
Paris,
September 25, 2002
The 1671st flight
of a Soyuz launch vehicle took place successfully on Wednesday,
September 25, 2002 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
The launcher lifted off on schedule at 10:58 p.m. Baikonur local
time (6:58 p.m., in Paris), and the Progress spacecraft was
accurately placed on the target orbit.
This was the 6th
Soyuz mission in 2002 and the 75th successful launch in a row
associated with the Soyuz family of launch vehicles. 11 of these
75 successes were human flights.
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
Aviation and 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 EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara
Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
Jean-Marie Luton
Chairman & CEO
Moscow, June
27, 2002
At their General
Meeting today in Moscow, Starsem shareholders (EADS, the Russian
Space Agency, the Samara Space Center and Arianespace) approved
the 2001 financial results and confirmed their determination
to further build on the success of the European-Russian launch
services company.
This General Meeting
followed a session of Starsem's Board of Directors, which elected
Jean-Marie Luton as the company's Chairman and CEO. Mr. Luton
will assume the management function in addition to his role
as Chairman of Arianespace.
The Board acknowledged
the benefits brought to Starsem by Mr. Luton, who has extensive
experience with issues that are key to defining the strategic
orientation for the future of space cooperation between Europe
and Russia.
Furthermore, Mr.
Victor Nikolaev was renewed in his position as Chief Operating
Officer of the Company.
Encl. : Mr. Luton's biography
1670th Successful
Launch of Soyuz
Paris,
June 26, 2002
The 1670th flight
of a Soyuz launch vehicle took place successfully on Wednesday,
June 26, 2002 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The
launcher lifted off on schedule at 11:36 a.m. Baikonur local
time (7:36 a.m., in Paris), and the Progress spacecraft was
accurately placed on the target orbit.
This was the 5th
Soyuz mission in 2002 and the 74th successful launch in a row
associated with the Soyuz family of launch vehicles. 11 of these
74 successes were human flights.
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
Aviation and 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 EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara
Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1669th Successful
Launch of Soyuz
Paris,
April 25, 2002
The 1669th successful
flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Thursday, April
25, 2002 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the Soyuz TM-34 manned transport
spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit.
The launcher
lifted off on schedule at 12:26 p.m. Baikonur local time (8:26
a.m. in Paris).
This 4th Soyuz mission
in 2002 marked the 73rd consecutive successful launch for the
Soyuz vehicle family. 11 of these 73 successes were manned flights.
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. The 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
Aviation and 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 EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara
Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1668th Successful
Launch of Soyuz
Paris,
April 2, 2002
The 1,668th successful
flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle took place on Tuesday, April
2, 2002 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia. The launcher
lifted off at 02:06 a.m. Plesetsk local time (00:06 a.m. in
Paris) and the governmental spacecraft was placed on the target
orbit.
This was the 3rd
Soyuz mission in 2002 and the 72nd successful launch in a row
associated with the Soyuz family of launch vehicles. 10 of these
72 successes were human flights.
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
Aviation and 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 EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara
Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1667th Successful
Launch of Soyuz
Paris,
March 22, 2002
The 1667th flight
of a Soyuz launch vehicle took place successfully on Friday,
March 22, 2002 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The
launcher lifted off on schedule at 1:13 a.m. Baikonur local
time (9:13 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, in Paris), and the Progress
spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit.
This was the 2nd
Soyuz mission in 2002 and the 71st successful launch in a row
associated with the Soyuz family of launch vehicles. 10 of these
71 successes were human flights.
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
Aviation and 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 EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara
Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1666th Successful
Launch of Soyuz
Paris,
February 25, 2002
The 1,666th successful
flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle took place on Monday, February
25, 2002 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia. The launcher
lifted off at 08:26 p.m. Plesetsk local time (06:26 p.m. in
Paris) and the governmental spacecraft was placed on the target
orbit.
This was the 1st
Soyuz mission in 2002 and the 70th successful launch in a row
associated with the Soyuz family of launchers. 10 of these 70
successes were human flights.
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
Aviation and 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 EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara
Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
The Euro-Russian
Starsem company acquires ISO 9001 : 2000 certification
Paris, December
19, 2001
Starsem received
today its ISO 9001 : 2000 certification from Bureau Veritas
International.
This certification
covers company headquarters and the Baikonur site for the following
areas of activity:
* marketing and
sale of Soyuz launch services to customers worldwide;
* prime contractorship for Soyuz launch services, including
funding, adaptation and procurement of launch vehicles and launch
services, and actual launcher operation from the Baikonur cosmodrome;
* prime contractorship for launch system evolution to meet commercial
needs.
This certification
confirms the Starsem's ability to adequate the astronautical
heritage associated with the Soyuz launch vehicle with the present
day needs of international customers:
* in technical terms,
with the construction of three clean rooms, adaptation of two
launch pads and development of the Ikar and Fregat upper stages;
* in terms of the Baikonur environment, with the construction
of a 150-room hotel meeting international standards;
* in terms of management, with the implementation of procedures
integrating experience acquired with the ten successful commercial
launches already made by Starsem, all of which met the deadlines
called for by its customers.
Furthermore, this
certification underscores the maturity and efficiency of the
quality management system implemented by the Euro-Russian company.
The continuous enhancement approach adopted enables the company
to respond ever more comprehensively to the expectations of
international customers, thus increasing their confidence in
the ability of the Soyuz launcher to meet their commercial launch
service requirements.
1665th Successful
Launch of Soyuz
Paris, November
26, 2001
The 1665th flight of a Soyuz
launch vehicle took place successfully on Monday, November 26, 2001 from
the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The launcher lifted off on schedule
at 11:23 p.m. Baikonur local time (07:23 p.m. in Paris), and the Progress
spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit.
This was the 11th Soyuz
mission in 2001 and the 69th successful launch in a row associated with
the Soyuz family of launchers. 10 of these 69 successes were human flights.
It was also the second launch
of a Soyuz launch vehicle equipped with modernized engines in the first
and second stages. Developed to meet the needs of the International Space
Station, this modernized version, which has been qualified in flight
last May, will also be used for Soyuz/ST. This new version of the Soyuz
launch vehicle, equipped with a larger fairing, is currently being developed
on the initiative of Starsem.
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 Aviation and 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 EADS (35%), the Russian Aviation
and Space Agency (25%), the Samara Space Center (25%) and Arianespace
(15%). The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted
launches for Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1664th Successful
Launch of Soyuz
Paris, October
25, 2001
The 1,664th successful
flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle took place on Thursday, October 25,
2001 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia. The launcher lifted off
on schedule at 03:34 p.m. Plesetsk local time (01:34 p.m. in Paris) and
the governmental spacecraft was placed on the target orbit.
This was the 10th Soyuz
mission in 2001 and the 68th successful launch in a row associated with
the Soyuz family of launchers. 10 of these 68 successes were human flights.
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 Aviation and 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 EADS (35%), the Russian Aviation
and Space Agency (25%), the Samara Space Center (25%) and Arianespace
(15%).
The Starsem manifest for
Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for Space Systems/Loral,
Alcatel Space Industries, the European Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1663rd Successful Launch of Soyuz
Paris,
October 21, 2001
The 1663rd successful flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Sunday,
October 21, 2001 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Starsem and its Russian partners report that the Soyuz TM-33 manned
transport spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit.
The launcher lifted off on schedule at 2:59 p.m. Baikonur local time (10:59
a.m. in Paris).
This ninth Soyuz mission in 2001 marked the 67th consecutive successful
launch for the Soyuz vehicle family. 10 of these 67 successes were manned
flights.
Soyuz sustained launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's
primary launch vehicles. The 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 Aviation and
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 EADS
(35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara Space Center
(25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted
launches for Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1662nd successful
launch of Soyuz
Paris,
September 15, 2001
The 1662nd flight
of a Soyuz launch vehicle took place successfully on Saturday,
September 15, 2001 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
The launcher lifted off on schedule at 5:35 a.m. Baikonur local
time (1:35 a.m. in Paris), and the payload was accurately placed
on the target orbit.
This was the
8th Soyuz mission in 2001 and the 66th successful launch in
a row associated with the Soyuz family of launchers. 9 of these
66 successes were human flights.
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
Aviation and 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 EADS (35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency
(25%), the Samara Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted
launches for Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries,
the European Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1661st successful
launch of Soyuz
Paris, August
21, 2001
The 1661st flight of
a Soyuz launch vehicle took place successfully on Tuesday, August 21,
2001 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The launcher lifted
off on schedule at 3:24 p.m. Baikonur local time (11:24 a.m. in Paris),
and the Progress spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit.
This was the 7th Soyuz mission
in 2001 and the 65th successful launch in a row associated with the Soyuz
family of launchers. 9 of these 65 successes were human flights.
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 Aviation and 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 EADS (35%), the
Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the Samara Space Center (25%)
and Arianespace (15%). The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently
includes contracted launches for Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries,
the European Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1660th successful
launch of Soyuz
Paris, July
20, 2001
The 1,660th successful flight
of a Soyuz launch vehicle took place on Friday, July 20, 2001 from the
Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia. The launcher lifted off on schedule at
04:17 a.m. Plesetsk local time (02:17 a.m. in Paris) and the governmental
spacecraft was placed on the target orbit.
This was the 6th Soyuz mission
in 2001 and the 64th successful launch in a row associated with the Soyuz
family of launchers. 9 of these 64 successes were human flights.
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 Aviation and 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 the Russian Aviation and
Space Agency (25%), the Samara Space Center (25%), EADS (35%) and Arianespace
(15%). The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted
launches for Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries, the European
Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1659th successful
launch of Soyuz
Paris,
May 29, 2001
The 1,659th successful
flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle took place on Tuesday, May
29, 2001 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia. The launcher
lifted off on schedule at 09:55 p.m. Plesetsk local time (07:55
p.m. in Paris) and the governmental spacecraft was placed on
the target orbit.
This was the
fifth Soyuz mission in 2001 and the 63rd successful launch in
a row associated with the Soyuz family of launchers. 9 of these
63 successes were human flights.
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. The 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
Aviation and 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 the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the
Samara Space Center (25%), EADS (35%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted
launches for Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries,
the European Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1658th successful
launch of Soyuz. In flight qualification of Soyuz/ST engines
Paris,
May 21, 2001
The 1658th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle took place successfully
on Monday, May 21, 2001 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
The launcher lifted off on schedule at 04.32 a.m. Baikonur local
time (00.32 a.m. in Paris), and the Progress spacecraft was
accurately placed on the target orbit.
This was the
fourth Soyuz mission in 2001 and the 62nd successful launch
in a row associated with the Soyuz family of launchers. It was
also the first launch of a Soyuz launch vehicle equipped with
modernized engines in the first and second stages. Developed
to meet the needs of the International Space Station, this modernized
version, which has just been qualified in flight, will also
be used for Soyuz/ST. This new version of the Soyuz launch vehicle,
equipped with a larger fairing, is currently being developed
on the initiative of Starsem. This launch represents a major
phase in this development.
9 of these 62
successes were human flights. After today's mission, 6 additional
Soyuz launches are planned during the year from Baikonur Cosmodrome.
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 Aviation and 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 EADS (35%), the Russian Aviation and Space Agency
(25%), the Samara Space Center (25%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted
launches for Space Systems/Loral, Alcatel Space Industries,
the European Space Agency and Eumetsat.
1,657th Successful
Launch of Soyuz
Paris,
April 28, 2001
The
1,657th successful flight of a Soyuz launcher was performed
Saturday, April 28, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Starsem and its
Russian partners report that the vehicle's Soyuz TM-32 manned
transport spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit.
The launcher
lifted off on schedule at 1:37 p.m. Baikonur local time (9:37
a.m. in Paris).
This third Soyuz
mission in 2001 marked the 61st consecutive successful launch
for the Soyuz vehicle family. 9 of these 61 successes were manned
flights. After today's mission, seven additional Soyuz launches
are planned during the year from Baikonur Cosmodrome.
Soyuz sustained
launch rate confirms its position as one of the world's primary
launch vehicles. The 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
Aviation and 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 the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (25%), the
Samara Space Center (25%), EADS (35%) and Arianespace (15%).
The Starsem manifest
for Soyuz missions currently includes contracted launches for
Space Systems/Loral (Globalstar), Alcatel Space Industries (SkyBridge),
the European Space Agency (Mars Express) and Eumetsat (Metop).
Dominique
Sokolsky appointed Finance Director of Starsem
Paris,
March 1, 2001
Effective the 1st of March, 2001, Dominique Sokolsky has been
appointed as Starsem Finance Director.
Formerly the
Financial Inspector at EADS Space Systems, Mr. Sokolsky has
joined Starsem after the departure of Mr. Laurent Safar, who
decided to leave EADS to pursue other business interests.
At present, with
the arrival of Mr. Sokolsky, the following comprises Starsem's
executive management team:
- Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer : Jean-Yves LE GALL
- Chief Operating Officer : Victor NIKOLAEV
- Senior Vice-President, Programs : Patrick BONGUET
- Vice-President, Programs: Yuri IVCHTCHENKO
- Vice-President, Sales: François MAROQUENE
- Vice-President, Finance: Dominique SOKOLSKY
- Director, Corporate Communications: Claire COULBEAUX
- Director, Corporate Development: Michel DOUBOVICK
Michel Doubovick (Corporate Development) and Claire Coulbeaux
(Corporate Communication) complete Starsem's General Directorate.
STARSEM is responsible
for international sales, marketing and operation at the Baikonur
Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for the complete range of SOYUZ launch
vehicles designed and developed by the Samara Space Center.
The shareholders
of Starsem are EADS (35 %), Arianespace (15 %), the Russian
Aviation and Space Agency (25 %), and the Samara Space Center
(25 %).
Dominique
SOKOLSKY
Dominique SOKOLSKY
was until this date Vice-President Controlling Space Systems
Division, managed by François AUQUE. Dominique SOKOLSKY
began his career in 1986 as a Project Manager at the Synergie
Informatique et Developpement company. Then, in 1989 he joined
the headquarters of Aerospatiale company as the Management Controller
of the Space and Strategic Systems Department. In 1994, he joined
the space operational unit, which later became Aerospatiale
Matra Lanceurs, where he was responsible for Programs Management
Control. He continued to occupy this position until 1999, when
he joined EADS headquarters. Mr SOKOLSKY is 38, married and
has 3 children. He has a degree of Applied Informatics and Enterprises
Management (MIAGE) from the Paris Dauphine University,
and a diploma of Administration and Enterprise Management from
the Institute of Enterprise Administration (IAE) in Paris.
1656th
Successful Launch of Soyuz
Paris,
February 26, 2001
Starsem and its Russian partners announce the 1656th successful
launch of the Soyuz from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Lift-off occurred Wednesday, February 26th at 13:09 a.m. Baikonur
local time, 9:09 a.m. in Paris. The Progress vessel, which was
the payload for this launch, was accurately placed on the target
orbit.This second Soyuz launch in 2001 was the 60th consecutive
successful launch in the Soyuz launch vehicle family. 8 of these
60 successes were manned flights. 8 additional Soyuz launches
are planned during the year from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
This
sustained launch rate confirms the position of the Soyuz as
one of the principal launch vehicles in the world. Further,
this rate demonstrates the continuous production capacity of
the Samara Space Center and the operational capacity of the
Baikonur launch teams, under the authority of the Russian Aviation
and Space Agency.
Starsem
(Russian Aviation and Space Agency - 25%, Samara Space Center
- 25%, EADS - 35%, Arianespace - 15%) offers the Soyuz launch
vehicle on the international commercial market, concentrating
primarily on the Soyuz-Fregat and Soyuz/ST configurations.
The
Starsem manifest currently includes contracted launches for
Alcatel Space Industries (SkyBridge), the European Space Agency
(Mars Express) and Eumetsat (Metop).
1655th Successful Launch of Soyuz
Paris,
January 24, 2001
Starsem and its Russian partners announce the 1655th successful
launch of the Soyuz from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Lift-off occurred Wednesday, January 24th at 9:28 a.m. Baikonur
local time, 5:28 a.m. in Paris. The Progress vessel, which was
the payload for this launch, was accurately placed on the target
orbit.This first Soyuz launch in 2001 was the 59th consecutive
successful launch in the Soyuz launch vehicle family. 8 of these
59 successes were manned flights. 9 additional Soyuz launches
are planned during the year from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
This
sustained launch rate confirms the position of the Soyuz as
one of the principal launch vehicles in the world. Further,
this rate demonstrates the continuous production capacity of
the Samara Space Center and the operational capacity of the
Baikonur launch teams, under the authority of the Russian Aviation
and Space Agency.
Starsem
(Russian Aviation and Space Agency - 25%, Samara Space Center
- 25%, EADS - 35%, Arianespace - 15%) offers the Soyuz launch
vehicle on the international commercial market, concentrating
primarily on the Soyuz-Fregat and Soyuz/ST configurations.
The
Starsem manifest currently includes contracted launches for
Alcatel Space Industries (SkyBridge), the European Space Agency
(Mars Express) and Eumetsat (Metop).
Starsem
to Launch Metop Meteorological Satellites for the European Eumetsat
Organization
Paris,
December 18, 2000
A
contract for the launch of two Metop satellites with an option
for a third, for the European Eumetsat organization was signed
on Monday, December 18, 2000 by Mr. Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman
& CEO of Starsem, and Dr. Tillmann Mohr, Director-General
of Eumetsat, in the presence of both the French and Russian
Prime Ministers.
The Metop satellites constitute the first European system in
polar orbit dedicated to meteorology and climate observation.
They will follow an orbit at approximately 840 km, an altitude
much lower than of the Meteosat geostationary meteorological
satellites. The Metop satellites will provide complementary
data as well as assuring complete global daily coverage.
Developed
and manufactured by the European company Astrium, the satellites
will be launched beginning in 2005 by the Soyuz/ST launch vehicle
from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
After
successful launches in 1999 (Globalstar telecommunications satellites)
and in 2000 (Cluster II scientific satellites), this new contract
strengthens Starsem's order book and confirms the interest in
European-Russian cooperation in the launch services industry.
This
contract also demonstrates the versatility of the Soyuz launch
vehicle which, since the beginning of Starsem's operations in
1999, has carried out 22 flights from Baikonur. Of these missions,
10 have been for international commercial satellites, 9 for
manned missions, and 3 for domestic Russian needs. Up to 10
Soyuz flights are scheduled during 2001 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
Finally,
this contract confirms interest in the developments carried
out by Starsem, which have allowed the Soyuz launch vehicle
to become the reference commercial medium class launch vehicle.
It covers the needs of constellations, scientific missions,
and now Earth observation satellites.
Starsem's
tenth successful launch places the final two Cluster II scientific
satellites into orbit for the European Space Agency
Paris,
August 9, 2000
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