Ellipso, Inc. and Arianespace, S.A. announced Wednesday an agreement to provide launch services for the Ellipso satellite telecommunications system.
The memorandum of agreement covers four Ariane 5 launches and supporting services, and includes a substantial financial package involving vendor financing and equity investment in Ellipso, Inc.
"Arianespace is the world's preeminent commercial launch services provider," said Dr. David Castiel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ellipso, Inc.
"This agreement will give our investors confidence that Ellipso's satellites will be launched on time to the proper orbit. Arianespace's investment further validates Ellipso's consumer-driven design and demonstrates confidence in the market for mobile satellite services. We look forward to working with Ariane and getting the Ellipso system into service as quickly as possible," he added.
Commenting on the accord, Arianespace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jean-Marie Luton said, "This agreement underscores the ability of Arianespace to adapt to the needs of our customers for deployment of satellite constellations. Our financial involvement in the Ellipso project also reflects our commitment to supporting our customer in the international telecommunications market."
These launches will enable Ellipso to place its satellites into its equatorial orbit, named Concordia. From the Concordia orbit Ellipso can provide telephone and data services to over 85% of the world's population. Each Ariane 5 launch can carry up to four Ellipso satellites, and will take place beginning in 2002.
Ellipso, Inc., headquartered in Washington, D.C., is currently designing and constructing the Ellipso satellite-based global communications system that will provide low cost and high quality digital voice and data services worldwide.
