Eutelsat Update on Technical Performance W5 Satellite

Eutelsat Update on Technical Performance W5 Satellite

PARIS, September 3/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Following the incident in the night of 16 to 17 June affecting
part of the power generator subsystem of the W5 satellite, Eutelsat set up a
technical investigation on the satellite's performance together with its
manufacturer, Thales Alenia Space. On the basis of elements of this
investigation, confirmed today by Thales Alenia Space1, Eutelsat informs that
the remaining orbital lifetime of W5 could be reduced by a maximum of three
years.

The satellite's end of operational life in stable orbit is now
estimated to be in the fourth quarter of 2014, advanced from the first
quarter of 2018. Technical measures are currently being implemented to
minimise the reduction of the in-orbit lifetime.

Eutelsat has carried out an impairment test based on the above
information and confirms that the impact of the anomaly experienced by W5, as
currently known, does not show any need to record an impairment charge. Its
evaluation shows no need to adjust the value of the W5 satellite recognised
on the balance sheet.

1 See http://www.thalesaleniaspace.com

About Eutelsat Communications

Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is
the holding company of Eutelsat S.A.. With capacity commercialised on 24
satellites that provide coverage over the entire European continent, as well
as the Middle East, Africa, India and significant parts of Asia and the
Americas, Eutelsat is one of the world's three leading satellite operators in
terms of revenues. At 30 June 2008, Eutelsat's satellites were broadcasting
more than 3,120 television channels and 1,100 radio stations. More than 1,100
channels broadcast via its HOT BIRD(TM) video neighbourhood at 13 degrees
East which serves over 120 million cable and satellite homes in Europe, the
Middle East and North Africa. The Group's satellites also serve a wide range
of fixed and mobile telecommunications services, TV contribution markets,
corporate networks, and broadband markets for Internet Service Providers and
for transport, maritime and in-flight markets. Eutelsat's broadband
subsidiary, Skylogic, markets and operates services through its teleport in
Italy that serves enterprises, local communities, government agencies and aid
organisations in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Headquartered in
Paris, Eutelsat and its subsidiaries employ 538 commercial, technical and
operational experts from 27 countries.

http://www.eutelsat.com

For further information

Press

Vanessa O'Connor
Tel: +33-1-53-98-38-88
voconnor@eutelsat.fr

Frederique Gautier
Tel: +33-1-53-98-38-88
fgautier@eutelsat.fr

Investors

Gilles Janvier
Tel: +33-1-53-98-35-30
investors@eutelsat-communications.com

Source: Eutelsat Communications

Vanessa O'Connor, Tel: +33-1-53-98-38-88, voconnor@eutelsat.fr; Frederique Gautier, Tel: +33-1-53-98-38-88, fgautier@eutelsat.fr; Investors, Gilles Janvier, Tel: +33-1-53-98-35-30, investors@eutelsat-communications.com

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