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New step in RASCOM-QAF1's Launch Early Operation Procedures

08 January 2008

Cannes, January 8, 2008 - Thales Alenia Space announced today a new step in the RASCOM-QAF1's Launch Early Operation Procedures further to technical investigations and in agreement with the customer RASCOMSTAR-QAF.

Making the best possible use of the remaining helium pressurant, Thales Alenia Space is raising the perigee of the orbit in order to bring the satellite to a safe orbit regarding radiations and to allow further analysis of the possibility to reach the GEO orbit.

Should the satellite be able to reach its final orbital position, then its lifetime would be significantly reduced.

About Thales Alenia Space
European leader in satellite systems and at the forefront of orbital infrastructures, Thales Alenia Space is a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Finmeccanica (33%). Together with Telespazio, Thales Alenia Space forms the "Space Alliance" between the two groups. The company is a worldwide reference in telecoms, radar and optical Earth observation, defense and security, navigation and science. With 7200 employees and 11 industrial sites, Thales Alenia Space is located in France, Italy, Spain and Belgium.