Mission Accomplished for Arianespace: TerreStar-1 is in Orbit

(Kourou, July 1, 2009) -- On Wednesday, July 1, for its third mission of the year, Arianespace successfully launched into geostationary transfer orbit the largest commercial satellite ever launched, TerreStar-1, for North American operator TerreStar Networks Inc.

45th Ariane 5 launch, 31st success in a row

This latest successful launch of an Ariane 5, the 31st in a row, confirms that Arianespace's launch Service & Solutions continue to set the global standard for all major space communications operators and manufacturers. Arianespace remains the international reference for launch services.

The launch of TerreStar-1 illustrates once again the Ariane 5's operational capabilities. Ariane 5 is the only launcher available in the market that can ensure a large number of missions, as it launches the heaviest commercial satellites into geostationary orbit and complex scientific satellites into specialized orbits.

At the service of a new client: TerreStar Networks Inc.

The choice of Arianespace by a pioneer in new satellite communications technologies is a clear recognition of the company's excellence in launch services. TerreStar Networks Inc. is Arianespace's 29th new client and TerreStar-1 is the 34th satellite constructed by Space Systems Loral to be launched by Arianespace.

Source : Arianespace - click here for more information