Created in 1980 as the world’s first launch service & solutions company, Arianespace is one of the main sponsors of this international gathering, which brings together more than 2,000 participants from 45 countries. Through this participation Arianespace continues to confirm its world leadership in this sector and its ongoing success in South Korea.

The Arianespace order book includes two satellites to be launched for South Korea, COMS-1 and Koreasat 6. They will be launched into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) during 2010 from the Guiana Space Center, Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

Arianespace’s collaboration with South Korea began with the launch of the scientific micro-satellites Kitsat A and Kitsat B for the Korean Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), then continued with the launch of the Koreasat communications satellite for operator Korea Telecom.

COMS-1 to be launched for the Korea Aerospace Research Institute

The Communication, Ocean and Meteorological Satellite-1 (COMS-1) is a multimission spacecraft, carrying out meteorological observation and ocean surveillance. Because of its orbital position, it will also be fitted with an experimental payload for broadband, multimedia communications services.

Koreasat 6 to be launched for Korea Telecom Corporation

Koreasat 6 is the second satellite to be launched by Arianespace for the Korean operator Korea Telecom Corporation (KT Corporation), following Koreasat 3, orbited in September 1999. The satellite will provide communications and broadcast services throughout the country from its orbital position at 116 degrees East.

Speaking at this year’s International Astronautical Congress, Arianespace Chairman and CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall said: “We are both proud and honored to be able to serve KARI and the Korea Telecom Corporation. The selection of Arianespace by these two prestigious South Korean customers is clear recognition of the quality and excellence of our launch Service and Solutions.”