Arianespace prepares for satellite boom

[BGonaSTICK]

Arianespace, the world's leading commercial space launch service provider, is embarking on a $400-million capacity expansion project to build a new launch site in French Guiana.

Chief executive Jean-Yves Le Gall said the company was preparing for a growing satellite market, fuelled by new on-demand applications for mobile connectivity and high definition television.

''TV on mobile and Internet protocol through satellite channels is expected to provide huge market potential for cellular operators over the next few years,'' said Le Gall. ''Up to 25 commercial satellites are expected to be launched into orbit this year, two-thirds of the total to be serviced by Arianespace."

He added his company saw a number of projects for new innovative satellite platforms in Japan, Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia.