Posted: Tue, Jun 19, 2007, 8:22 AM ET (1222 GMT)
In an effort to secure slots in increasingly crowded launch manifests, European satellite operator SES Global signed launch agreements for 10 future satellites Monday with Arianespace and International Launch Services. SES signed separate agreements with Arianespace and ILS for five launches from each company in the 2009-2013 period, with the total value of the agreements estimated to be $700 million. The agreements are designed to cover most of SES's launch requirements during that period. The long-term deal also ensures that the company will have spots in launch manifests that have become more crowded in recent years, driving up launch prices and forcing satellite operators to scramble to find launches.

Related Links:

•  Wall Street Journal article (subscription required)
•  AFP article
•  Space News article (subscription required)
•  RIA Novosti article
•  SES press release