All Three Business Areas of Astrium Combine for The Skynet 5A Launch

• Skynet 5A satellite set for 10 March launch
• Astrium prime contractor for:
  • Skynet 5A military communications satellite
  • Launcher Ariane 5
  • Satellite services through subsidiary Paradigm

Skynet 5 Military Communications Satellites

Astrium is prime contractor on the Skynet 5 contract through its Astrium Services subsidiary Paradigm Secure Communications. Paradigm holds a £3.6 billion contract with the UK Ministry of Defence for the provision of secure milsatcoms until 2020.

Astrium Satellites is prime contractor to Paradigm for the design and build of three Skynet 5 military communications satellites which will provide significant increase in capacity and performance.

Astrium is also prime contractor on Ariane 5. Astrium Space Transportation recently signed an agreement with Arianespace to step up production of Ariane 5 launchers.

The Skynet 5 satellites are based on Astrium's Eurostar E3000 satellite platform with a 34m solar array span and a launch mass of 4.7 tonnes. Skynet 5A will be positioned at 1 degree West.

Advanced Military Satellite Communications.

François Auque, CEO of Astrium said: "Skynet 5 is a flagship programme for us which showcases our combined capabilities across all aspects of space - services, satellites and space transportation. We look forward to Skynet 5A entering full service and providing our customers with the next generation of advanced military satellite communications."

EADS Astrium, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems. In 2006, Astrium had a turnover of €3.2 billion and 11,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Its three main areas of activity are: the business units Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, and Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment, and its wholly owned subsidiary Astrium Services for the development and delivery of satellite services.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2005, EADS generated revenues of €34.2 billion and employed a workforce of more than 113,000.

London, March 7, 2007