Astrium To Develop A Satellite Integration Centre In Kazakhstan

This contract is the first step of a major cooperation agreement between Kazakhstan space entities and Astrium that will lead to the construction of a satellite programme for Earth observation, as well as the actual construction of an assembly, integration and test centre.

This first phase will be to define the architecture of the centre before its actual construction begins. Astrium and JSC National Company "Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary" will run the integration centre as a joint venture.

This first contract was signed by Alain Charmeau, CEO Astrium Space Transportation and Gavyllatyp T. Murzakulov, CEO of JSC National Company "Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary". This follows the announcement of a MoU for a strategic partnership in May 2009.

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Astrium helps Irish soldiers in Chad keep in touch with family and friends
Paris, 18 June 2009 - Astrium Services has been selected by the Irish Department of Defence to deliver end-to-end welfare satellite communication services to its troops deployed overseas in Chad across three camps.

Astrium Services will provide Internet access with dedicated and guaranteed throughput to enable the Irish soldiers to stay in touch with their families and friends around the world at any time.

The Irish troops will also have access by telephone to a free English speaking customer support desk open 24/7.

Astrium Services currently also provides telephone and Internet welfare communications services to French troops deployed overseas in Afghanistan, Chad, Lebanon and Kosovo.

This service for 7,000 troops is part of a four year contract named Passerel. Astrium Services, through its subsidiary Paradigm, also provides welfare communication services to all UK armed forces deployed overseas as part of the Skynet 5 programme. This service is provided to 17,000 British Servicemen and women deployed globally until at least 2020.