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Successful launch of Alcatel AMC-12 satellite

04 February 2005

The AMC-12 communications satellite built by prime contractor Alcatel Space was successfully boosted into orbit yesterday by a ILS Proton/Breeze-M launcher from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan. AMC-12 is the third satellite built by Alcatel Space for the American operator SES Americom, part of the SES Global group. AMC-12 will cover three interconnected zones, North America, South America and Europe/Middle East/Africa.

Based on Alcatel Space's new-generation Spacebus 4000 platform, the powerful AMC-12 satellite will deliver a wide range of services, from direct-to-home TV broadcasts to broadband Internet. Because of its large capacity, a number of different users will be able to count on this reliable, economical system, including broadcasters, cable operators, Internet service providers, government organizations, educational institutions, operators and private networks.

"We are very proud of being a supplier to the American satellite operator SES Americom, once again giving them the best of our technological expertise and other skills," said Pascale Sourisse, Chairman and CEO of Alcatel Space. "Developing and expanding our range of communications satellites is an integral part of our customer-centric strategy, designed to keep pace with our customers' evolving requirements."