Arianespace chief executive officer Jean-Yves Le Gall announced recently the contract concerns the JCSAT-9 satellite and another future satellite. JCSAT-9, a digital communications satellite, is the fifth JSAT satellite to book an Arianespace launch. The European launcher has already orbited JCSAT-1 (Flight 29), JCSAT-5 (Flight 103), N-Sat 110 (Flight 133) and JCSAT-8 (Flight 149).

Built on the Lockheed Martin's A2100 AX platform, it will weigh approximately 4,500 kg at launch, and will be positioned at 132 degrees East. An Ariane 5 launch is scheduled around the end of 2005, from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

In 2003, Arianespace won eight contracts open for bidding during the year - representing more than 50 per cent of the market. As of 6 January, 2004, Arianespace's backlog stood at 33 satellites to be launched, says an official release.