[Satellite Today 02-04-09] Arianespace signed a contract with Hispasat to launch the Hispasat 1E satellite, Arianespace announced Feb. 3.
    The satellite will be built by Space Systems/Loral using an LS 1300 platform and launched by an Ariane 5 rocket at the end of 2010 from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana.
    Hispasat 1E will be fitted with 53 active Ku-band transponders and positioned in orbit at 30 degrees West.
    Hispasat 1E will be the sixth Spanish satellite launched by Arianespace.