[Satellite Today 12-29-08] Arianespace has been chosen by Egyptian operator Nilesat to launch the Nilesat 201 satellite, Arianespace announced Dec. 23.
    The launch contract comes as part of a turnkey contract that Thales Alenia Space signed with Nilesat.
    Nilesat 201 will be placed into geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 5 or Soyuz rocket launched from the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana, during the first quarter of 2010. The satellite will be fitted with 24 Ku-band transponders and 3 Ka-band transponders to provide  broadcasting services throughout the Middle East. It will be positioned at 7 degrees West, and offer a design life exceeding 15 years.
    Nilesat 201 is the third satellite launched by Arianespace for the Egyptian operator, following Nilesat 101 and 102, launched successfully in 1998 and 2000, respectively.