Eutelsat Update on Technical Performance W5 Satellite

Eutelsat Update on Technical Performance W5 Satellite

PARIS, September 3/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Following the incident in the night of 16 to 17 June affecting part of the power generator subsystem of the W5 satellite, Eutelsat set up a technical investigation on the satellite's performance together with its manufacturer, Thales Alenia Space. On the basis of elements of this investigation, confirmed today by Thales Alenia Space1, Eutelsat informs that the remaining orbital lifetime of W5 could be reduced by a maximum of three years.

The satellite's end of operational life in stable orbit is now estimated to be in the fourth quarter of 2014, advanced from the first quarter of 2018. Technical measures are currently being implemented to minimise the reduction of the in-orbit lifetime.

Eutelsat has carried out an impairment test based on the above information and confirms that the impact of the anomaly experienced by W5, as currently known, does not show any need to record an impairment charge. Its evaluation shows no need to adjust the value of the W5 satellite recognised on the balance sheet.

1 See http://www.thalesaleniaspace.com

About Eutelsat Communications

Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is the holding company of Eutelsat S.A.. With capacity commercialised on 24 satellites that provide coverage over the entire European continent, as well as the Middle East, Africa, India and significant parts of Asia and the Americas, Eutelsat is one of the world's three leading satellite operators in terms of revenues. At 30 June 2008, Eutelsat's satellites were broadcasting more than 3,120 television channels and 1,100 radio stations. More than 1,100 channels broadcast via its HOT BIRD(TM) video neighbourhood at 13 degrees East which serves over 120 million cable and satellite homes in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The Group's satellites also serve a wide range of fixed and mobile telecommunications services, TV contribution markets, corporate networks, and broadband markets for Internet Service Providers and for transport, maritime and in-flight markets. Eutelsat's broadband subsidiary, Skylogic, markets and operates services through its teleport in Italy that serves enterprises, local communities, government agencies and aid organisations in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Headquartered in Paris, Eutelsat and its subsidiaries employ 538 commercial, technical and operational experts from 27 countries.

http://www.eutelsat.com

          For further information      Press      Vanessa O'Connor     Tel: +33-1-53-98-38-88     voconnor@eutelsat.fr      Frederique Gautier     Tel: +33-1-53-98-38-88     fgautier@eutelsat.fr      Investors      Gilles Janvier     Tel: +33-1-53-98-35-30     investors@eutelsat-communications.com  

Source: Eutelsat Communications

Vanessa O'Connor, Tel: +33-1-53-98-38-88, voconnor@eutelsat.fr; Frederique Gautier, Tel: +33-1-53-98-38-88, fgautier@eutelsat.fr; Investors, Gilles Janvier, Tel: +33-1-53-98-35-30, investors@eutelsat-communications.com

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