The editors of Access Intelligence’s Via Satellite magazine selected Jean-Yves Le Gall, CEO, Arianespace SA, as its Satellite Executive of the Year 2005. In its 18th year, the award honors the satellite executive who made a lasting business impression on the global satellite industry during the previous calendar year.

“I am very pleased to have been chosen for this honor, which has become a management benchmark for the satellite industry,” Jean-Yves Le Gall said. “I accept the award on behalf of every employee at Arianespace and Starsem whose combined efforts have enabled our group to retain its leadership position in an increasingly challenging competitive environment.”

As its top satellite executive for 2005, Via Satellite magazine will showcase Le Gall and his business accomplishments in its “Executive of the Year” cover feature in the February 2006 issue. Likewise, Le Gall will give a keynote address at the Satellite Executive of the Year 2005 award luncheon and be presented with the award during this year’s SATELLITE 2006 Conference and Exhibition Wed., Feb. 8. Brought to you by Access Intelligence and Via Satellite magazine, the SATELLITE 2006 Conference and Exhibition runs Feb. 6-9 at the Washington, D.C., Convention Center.

Le Gall lead the European launch services company in 2005 through one of the most challenging periods it has faced since its inception 25 years ago. Along with the successful return to flight of the Ariane ECA, customers continued to sign with Arianespace while this advanced launch vehicle was grounded, awarding the company four announced commercial launch contracts to be carried out on the Ariane 5 ECA in the coming years. Likewise, it successfully navigated political discussions, securing the launch of a U.S. civil payload.

“The selection committee recognized the significant momentum Le Gall achieved in 2005 which set the stage for Arianespace’s near-term business plans. From

Le Gall finalizing financial and political agreements with the Russian and European authorities for Souyz to be launched from French Guiana, to Arianespace placing nine satellites into geostationary orbit and expanding its business with significant commercial, civil and military contracts.

Le Gall’s efforts in 2005 positioned Arianespace for continued strategic growth in a highly competitive market,” said Via Satellite Editor and SATELLITE 2006 Chairman Nick Mitsis. For more information on SATELLITE 2006, go to http://www.SATELLITE2006.com.