Despite Challenges, Arianespace Forges Ahead

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The worldwide satellite launch services business also cannot escape the troubles caused by the global financial crisis.

The ongoing economic challenges limited the number of new contracts available in 2008, with only 18 new launch contracts signed last year. That compares 25 in 2007.

Nonetheless, in a statement released Tuesday, Arianespace boasted that it won 13 contracts out of the 18 open to competition last year. Also, this year, the launch services provider said it plans to conduct six to eight Ariane 5 launches, including a mission for the TerreStar 1 satellite.

In addition, the Soyuz rocket will be launched for the first time from Arianespace's Guiana Space Center in South America. Arianespace said it has plans to carry out eight Soyuz missions by the end of 2010, either from French Guiana or Baikonur in Kazakhstan.

Concerning the current economic climate, Arianespace said that the "tight credit situation has had varying effects. Several new operators froze their projects, but the largest operators were unaffected. They are pursuing their development, which underpins a solid replacement market."

Nonetheless, Arianespace is starting 2009 on a good note with a new contract from Intelsat. Arianespace said the deal announced Tuesday covers the launch of one satellite, with an option to launch four more satellites between 2011 and 2015.