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Telecoms satellites successfully launched by Astrium subsidiary Eurockot

Bremen, 20 June 2002

* Second successful mission within three months
* Rockot important part of European launcher family
* Astrium spearhead of industrial space co-operation with Russia

Bremen – Two American telecoms satellites were launched into low earth orbit on board a Rockot launcher this Thursday from the Plesetsk space centre in northern Russia, the second successful launch operation within three months. The Rockot launcher, based on the former SS19 medium-range missile, is marketed worldwide by Eurockot Launch Services GmbH (Eurockot), based in Bremen, a joint venture between Astrium (51 per cent) and the Russian Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center (49 per cent). The pair of satellites is destined to join the Iridium global satellite communications network, which will ultimately comprise a total of 66 satellites.

Speaking in Bremen on the occasion of the launch, Josef Kind, President Astrium Space Infrastructure, emphasised that “This second successful launch by Rockot proves the value of our strategic investment in this project as major shareholder of Eurockot.”

Astrium Space Infrastructure is one of the pioneers in industrial collaboration with Russia, having invested a total of more than € 40 million in this project over the last seven years, and established a market presence for highly competitively priced launch services for satellites in the lower weight category of up to 1,800 kg through its majority shareholding in the Eurockot marketing company. Eurockot has a total of six launches on its order books. The next launch is scheduled for the first quarter of 2003.

Astrium, the leader in the European space industry, is jointly owned by EADS European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (75 per cent) and BAE Systems (25 per cent). Astrium’s Space Infrastructure Division develops and operates space laboratories and experimental payload systems, and develops rocket stages and propulsion systems for satellites and for the Ariane series of launch vehicles. In 2001, the Division, which employs a staff of 3,000, reported sales of just under EUR700 million.

Bremen, June 20, 2002

Your contact:

Astrium Space Infrastructure
Dr. Mathias Spude
Telefon: 0421-539-5710 / Fax: 0421-539-4534