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MSG2 weather satellite, built by Alcatel Alenia Space, ready for launch

15 December 2005

The Meteosat Second Generation weather satellite (MSG2) will be launched on December 21 by an Ariane 5 rocket from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana. Built by Alcatel Alenia Space as prime contractor, MSG2 will be the second new generation satellite in a series of four to be boosted into geostationary orbit.

First of the series, MSG1 - launched in August 2002 - is in orbit and delivers a steady stream of meteorological data for Europe. The MSG2 satellite will weigh over 2,000 kilograms at launch and will have a design life of seven years. It is fitted with 12 imaging channels, and will deliver an image every 15 minutes in the visible, infrared and water vapor wavelengths. The performance of this new generation of satellites largely outpaces that of its predecessors, carrying on the World Weather Watch and establishing Europe as a world leader in Earth observation from geostationary orbit.

Pascale Sourisse, President and CEO of Alcatel Alenia Space said: "The partnership between Eumetsat, ESA and Alcatel Alenia Space was initiated over 25 years ago. Our satellites are known for their high reliability, enabling them to deliver seamless service continuity for European users, as well as occasionally replacing other satellites to ensure optimum World Weather Watch service."

Besides, as part of the PUMA project (Preparation for the Use of MSG in Africa), Alcatel Alenia Space completed late November 2005 the deployment of 51 MSG1 data receiving stations in 47 African countries.

Alcatel Alenia Space is heavily involved in other environmental projects based on Earth observation, especially the European Union's Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) program. Building on the success of its projects for ESA and Eumetsat, Alcatel Alenia Space is investing in core disciplines related to oceanography, maritime applications, meteorology, atmospheric studies, risk assessment and water resources.

About Alcatel Alenia Space
Alcatel Alenia Space is the European leader in satellite systems, at the forefront of orbit infrastructures. Created in July 2005, the company brings together the vast experience and know-how of Alcatel Space and Alenia Spazio to form a new leading force in European space technology. Alcatel Alenia Space represents a worldwide standard for space development that impacts everybody's future: from navigation to telecommunications, from meteorology to environmental monitoring, from defence to science and observation. An affiliate of Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) (67%) and Finmeccanica (Milan:SIFI.MI, FNC.IM) (33%), Alcatel Alenia Space generated an estimated turnover of 1.8 billion euros with around 7,200 people in 2004.