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Mission Update

A very special “thank you” for Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall from TerreStar Networks

July 1, 2009

Ariane 5’s successful orbiting of TerreStar-1 today was acknowledged with a special gift offered by TerreStar Networks Inc. – which became the latest new-entry telecommunications operator to gain its all-important access to space with an on-target Arianespace launch.

At a celebratory gathering following TerreStar-1’s successful launch from French Guiana, TerreStar Networks President Jeffrey Epstein presented Jean-Yves Le Gall with a guitar autographed by Bruce Springsteen – who is one of the Arianespace Chairman & CEO’s favorite music artists.

In addition, the guitar’s carrying case was signed by many of TerreStar Networks’ employees – another symbolic representation of thanks for Arianespace’s accurate delivery of TerreStar-1 into geostationary transfer orbit. 

TerreStar-1’s launch was critical for TerreStar Networks’ plan to deliver voice, data and video services in a new-generation, integrated satellite-terrestrial mobile communications network.  Weighing nearly 6,910 kg. for its launch on Ariane 5, TerreStar-1 became the world's largest, most powerful commercial communications satellite ever orbited.

• Read the Mission Update for a full report on this successful Ariane 5 mission.
• Review the launch success with our photo report from the Spaceport.
• Additional information on today's launch is available in the press release.
• Arianespace’s official launch kit has more information on this Ariane 5 mission.