Via Satellite: Do you expect delays due to satellite deliveries, or have the satellite manufacturers improved their performance?
Le Gall: With satellites, we saw some improvements in meeting manufacturing deadlines. I understand that in 2009, there could still be delays, and we know that we must be very careful. But at the same time, we plan to have launches and reach a target which is within a couple of weeks. The manufacturers are much more punctual than three or four years ago.
Via Satellite: Given your backlog, are there any open spots on your manifest in the near future?
Le Gall: We are now in a new situation where we have very few launch slots in the near future. This means that when one launch is ready to go, we already have the launch vehicle for the next mission being integrated in parallel at the Guiana Space Center. If someone comes to see us asking for a launch slot next year, it is hard to accommodate them. Some customers now have the foresight to order the launch slots before they order the satellites to guarantee that they will have a launch slot available.
Via Satellite: Do you expect the number of launch contracts available for competition to drop throughout the next several years?
Le Gall: We think we will continue to have roughly 12 launch contracts a year. Last year it was 13, but in 2007 it was 12, and so we will see next year what the situation will be. But I should say that the fact that we signed so many contracts is a consequence of our capability and our readiness; when a customer signs a contract with us, everyone is aware that the launch vehicle which will be used three years from now to launch the satellite will be exactly the same as the one used this month. This is very important to our customers.
Via Satellite: There are concerns that some new satellite projects that have ordered launch slots may not have enough money to complete their spacecraft. Do you share that concern on any of your contracts?
Le Gall: We have launched 29 first satellites for new operators over the past 29 years and I am always pleased to see how resourceful they are at organizing and funding these projects. For newcomers today, it depends on their business plans. Companies with solid business plans that inspire confidence are usually able to find financing.
Via Satellite: Are you concerned that the continuing rise in launch prices may send some of your customers searching for less expensive options for placing their satellite into orbit?
Le Gall: We always have these discussions with our customers, but customers always want the same thing: They want the best prices and the best service and the best quality, all at the same time. But the service and quality are related to the price. If we have the track record that we have, it is because we have invested heavily in our quality system control. For instance, in the month before a launch, I may have to change a subsystem or other equipment on the launch vehicle — not because we necessarily have a problem with the launch vehicle itself, but because we do not want to take any risks, and therefore, we may change a component that isn’t functioning optimally. This, of course, has a cost. This is the price you pay to have successful launches; but the price of failure will be much higher.
Via Satellite: Do you expect more competitors to appear in the launch market in the coming years?
Le Gall: Today, it is clear that the market is already above capacity, but in spite of this, there are always new players attempting to enter the business. Over the years, Arianespace has maintained our market position because customers demand quality launch services. A lot of people explain to me that when new competition arrives, life will become very difficult. The difference between us and them is that we are well beyond the stage of making demonstration launches. We have the capacity to launch in a reliable, timely and easy manner.
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