ARIANESPACE LAUNCHES TWO SATELLITES

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 (Bernama) -- Arianespace Thursday launched two
communications satellites into geostationary transfer orbit which was carried
out by an Ariane 5 ECA launcher from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French
Guiana.

The satellites comprised Astra 3B, a commercial communications satellite for
Luxembourg operator SES Astra, and COMSATBw-2, a military communications
satellite built by Astrum for the German Defence Ministry.

Arianespace, which was Malaysia's Measat-1 and 2 satellites launcher, said
this was Ariane 5's 50th successful launch and 36th success in a row.

"This latest success confirms that Arianespace's launch service and
solutions continue to set the global standard for all telecommunications
operators, whether civil or military," it said.

"It also reflects the strategic facet of Arianespace, which guarantees
independent access to space for all European governments," it added.
-- BERNAMA