Arianespace announced today that it has signed a launch Service & Solutions contract with IR&AC for Azerbaijan’s satellite to be launched by the end of 2012.

Weighing approximately 3,000 kg. at launch, the satellite will be boosted into geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 5 rocket from the Guiana Space Center, Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

The satellite, fitted with 36 active Ku- and C-band transponders, will be built by Orbital Sciences Corporation of the United States, using a STAR-2 platform. It will deliver a wide range of communications services for all of Azerbaijan, as well as Central Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

“We are very pleased to have chosen Arianespace, which is the leading company in space transportation,” said Dr. Ali Abbasov, the Azerbaijan Minister of Communications and Information Technologies. “We are sure that Arianespace’s experience and expertise will guarantee a successful launch for our country’s first satellite.”

Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, added, “Arianespace is especially proud of this opportunity to serve the Republic of Azerbaijan, and to contribute to the expansion of communications services. The implementation of its national satellite program and its entering into the satellite market, demonstrate the rapid, successful and sustainable development of Azerbaijan, and shall contribute to the development of the region. This is the 10th contract we have signed so far this year, confirming the quality and competitiveness of our launch Service & Solutions.”

About Arianespace

Arianespace is the world’s leading launch Service & Solutions company, providing innovation to its customers since 1980. Backed by 24 shareholders and the European Space Agency, Arianespace offers an unrivalled family of launchers, comprising Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega, and an international workforce renowned for a culture of commitment and excellence. As of 01 November 2010, Arianespace had launched with Ariane launchers a total of 285 payloads, including more than half of all the commercial satellites now in service worldwide. It has a backlog of 21 Ariane 5 and 17 Soyuz launches, equal to more than three years of business.