Posted: Tue, Jan 21, 2003, 11:46 PM ET (0446 GMT)
Intelsat has picked International Launch Services to launch its next-generation satellite, giving rival Sea Launch a future contract as a consolation prize. Intelsat had awarded both ILS and Sea Launch contracts a year ago to launch the two Intelsat 10 series spacecraft, Intelsat 10-01 and 10-02, in 2003. However, Intelsat decided late last year to cancel Intelsat 10-01, forcing it to choose one company for the Intelsat 10-02 launch. According to a Sea Launch press release, Intelsat selected a Proton M launch from ILS; no reason for the decision was given. Intelsat and Sea Launch have renegotiated their original Intelsat 10 launch contract, reserving it for a future unspecified Intelsat payload. Despite the loss of the Intelsat 10 launch, Sea Launch officials say they are planning five launches for 2003, but have not identified the spacecraft they will be launching.

Related Links:

•  Sea Launch press release
•  Space News article (subscription required)