Satellite operator Satelites Mexicanos (Satmex) has signed a contract with Arianespace for the launch of its Satmex 6 communications satellite aboard an an Ariane 5 booster from Kourou, French Guiana, next year. The contract follows the award of three launches to Arianespace last month.

The craft is the fourth in the series to be contracted for an Ariane and follows Satmex 5, which was launched on mission V114 in December 1998.

The Space Systems/Loral-built craft, based on the 1300 series platform, will carry 36 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders.

Source: Flight International