Arianespace
Eutelsat has become the first commercial customer to opt for the new Ariane 6 launch vechicle as part of a multiple launch agreement signed with Arianespace.
The agreement, signed at World Satellite Business Week in Paris, covers five launches until 2027.
Eutelsat says the agreement will give it “schedule flexibility at cost effective prices”.
The Paris-based operator will be able to use Ariane 6, Arianespace’s next-generation launch vehicle, expected to start service from 2020.
Rodolphe Belmer, CEO, Eutelsat Communications, said: “We are proud to be the first operator to commit to Ariane 6. This emblematic European programme will further enhance our ability to gain access to space in a timely, competitive and reliable manner.”
Stéphane Israël, CEO of Arianespace added: ” With this multi-launch agreement, Eutelsat becomes the first commercial customer for Ariane 6. I would like to extend my warm thanks to Eutelsat for their confidence in Arianespace and our Ariane 6 launch vehicle. At the same time, their selection clearly shows Arianespace’s ability to offer our customers long-term partnerships and increasingly flexible solutions.”
Eutelsat already has three Ariane 5 launches for Eutelsat 7C, Eutelsat Quantum and Konnect that are scheduled to launch on Ariane 5.
