Posted: Mon, Apr 19, 2004, 7:52 PM ET (2352 GMT)
SES Global awarded International Launch Services (ILS) three contracts on Monday for launches of communication satellites on Atlas and Proton rockets. ILS will launch the AMC-16 satellite on a Proton in early 2005 and the AMC-14 satellite on an Atlas 5 in early 2006, both for SES Americom, SES Global's American subsidiary. ILS will also launch the Astra 1L satellite on a Proton in late 2006 for SES Astra. All three satellites are A2100 models built by Lockheed Martin. The two Americom satellites will be used to provide satellite television services for American company EchoStar. As is customary, terms of the commercial launch contract were not disclosed.

Related Links:

•  Space News article (subscription required)
•  Reuters article
•  ILS press release