Arianespace to launch THAICOM 5

Evry, September 6, 2005

Arianespace to launch THAICOM 5

Private Thai operator Shin Satellite and Arianespace signed the launch
contract for the THAICOM 5 satellite, in a ceremony attended by Christine
Lagarde, French Minister for Foreign Trade.

Evry, September 6, 2005 - The THAICOM 5 satellite launch contract was signed
at World Satellite Business Week 2005 by Dr. Dumrong Kasemset, Executive
Chairman of Shin Satellite Plc, and Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chief Executive
Officer of Arianespace. Christine Lagarde, French Minister for Foreign
Trade, was present at the signing. This latest contract between Shin
Satellite and Arianespace further confirms both the strategic space
partnership between France and Thailand and French government support for
the Thai space industry.

Coming less than four weeks after the successful launch of THAICOM 4
(IPSTAR), this contract reflects the sustained confidence of Shin Satellite,
one of the major operators in the Asia-Pacific region, and is also clear
recognition of Arianespace's high-quality launch service.

THAICOM 5 is slated for an Ariane 5 launch in 2006 from Europe's Spaceport
in Kourou, French Guiana.

It will be the fifth satellite launched by Arianespace for the
privately-owned Thai operator, following THAICOM 1 in December 1993, THAICOM
2 in October 1994, THAICOM 3 in April 1997 and THAICOM 4 (IPSTAR) on August
11, 2005.

Built by Alcatel Alenia Space, THAICOM 5 will weigh about 2,800 kg at
launch, and will be fitted with 24 C-band and 14 Ku-band transponders.
THAICOM 5 will provide telecom and television services throughout the
Asia-Pacific from its orbital position at 78.5 degrees East. It will
eventually replace the THAICOM 1 and 2 satellites.

Shin Satellite Public Company Limited, formerly Shinawatra Satellite, is the
leading satellite communications company in Thailand. It deploys a fleet of
satellites that provide an array of telecom services for Asia, Australia,
Africa, the Middle East and a large part of Europe.


--
--------------------------------------

Jacques :-)

www.spacepatches.info