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RASCOM-QAF1 satellite injected in final geostationary orbit

04 February 2008

Cannes, February 4, 2008 -Thales Alenia Space announced today that further to the decision of RASCOMSTAR-QAF, the RASCOM-QAF1 satellite has been placed in its final geostationary orbit at 2.85° East.

This final injection has been made possible thanks to the LEOP procedure established by Thales Alenia Space based on the best possible use of the remaining helium pressurant.

This 4-week process has started by a first apogee boost completed by the main apogee boost motor, followed by 18 additional apogee manoeuvres completed by smaller thrusters. This LEOP strategy has required a sharp technical control from the Thales Alenia Space team.

The satellite's lifetime is subject to further refinement, but is expected to be slightly over 2 years.

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. www.thalesaleniaspace.com