Arianespace, Inc. Appears on Alexander Haig's World Business Review TV Series.

Business Editors

BOCA RATON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 4, 2000

Multimedia Productions (USA), Inc. is proud to announce the appearance of Douglas Heydon, president of Arianespace, Inc., on World Business Review. The weekly television series is hosted by General Alexander Haig, Secretary of State during the Reagan administration. The topic of the discussion is Quality in Space, on episode no. 702-C.

"Arianespace was selected to appear on the show based on its steadfast commitment to reliability, as well as its leadership position in the commercial launch industry," said Vivia Hakala the show's Senior Producer.

Commercial space transportation technology has remained largely unchanged over the years, although there have been some refinements. However, today more than ever the industry is feeling pressure to reduce costs and lower prices, while at the same time developing more complex systems. Add to this the shrinking of the timeline for delivering these systems, along with constant legislative changes, and the result may be a compromise in quality. These factors have quite probably contributed to the recent rash of mishaps involving commercial, civil government and military missions.

Arianespace, the leader in commercial launch services, maintains its position in the industry by focusing on reliability. The company recently set a new standard for reliability, achieving a milestone with its 53th consecutive successful Ariane 4 launch. "However," said Heydon, "Arianespace eclipsed that mark with the December 10, 1999 commercial launch of Ariane 5.

"This marks a profound increase in lift capability, and is the first operational heavy-lift launch vehicle of the next generation."

More recently, Arianespace Flight 128 successfully orbited AsiaStar and Insat 3B on an Ariane 5 nighttime launch. During the night of March 21 to 22, 2000, Arianespace Flight 128 successfully placed two telecommunications satellites into orbit: AsiaStar for Alcatel Space, WorldSpace prime contractor and system architect, and Insat 3B for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Arianespace's next mission, Flight 129, has a scheduled launch date of April 18, 2000.

Based in Evry, France, Arianespace is the commercial launch services leader, holding more than 50% of the world market for satellites to geo-stationary transfer orbit (GTO). Created as the first commercial space transportation company in 1980, Arianespace has signed contracts for more than 200 satellite payloads. The company is responsible for the production, operation and marketing of the Ariane 4 and 5 launchers, and is a partner in the commercial operations of Starsem's Soyuz launch vehicle.

Ariane is a world-class competitor, with annual net sales of over 6 billion French francs, a staff of 330 employees, and more than 100 launches performed - including over 50 consecutive successful missions of the Ariane 4. Arianespace is backed by shareholders that represent the best technical, financial and political resources of the 12 European countries participating in the Ariane program.

Taped in Washington, D.C., World Business Review currently airs on PBS the Business Channel, and in prime business slots in numerous Public Television markets, including San Francisco, New York, Denver and Miami. The weekly series can also be viewed on TWA, United Airlines, or from any desktop computer via AENTV.

Individual videotapes or continuing education systems (via Indiana State University) are available by calling 1-800-WBR-1032, or by visiting www.wbrtv.com, which showcases feature topics and specific companies' technology.