SES Astra and Yahsat appoint CEO for Middle East satellite company

Notes and media contacts

About SES ASTRA www.ses-astra.com
SES ASTRA is the leading Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite system in Europe. The satellite fleet currently comprises 14 ASTRA and two SIRIUS satellites. The combined satellite system delivers services to more than 122m DTH and cable households and transmits more than 2,500 analogue and digital television and radio channels. SES ASTRA also provides satellite-based multimedia, internet and telecommunication services to enterprises, governments and their agencies. With nearly 80 High Definition (HD) channels on its main orbital positions, ASTRA and SIRIUS represent the most important HDTV platform for Europe's leading broadcasters. The prime orbital positions for ASTRA and SIRIUS are 19.2° East, 28.2° East, 23.5° East, 5° East and 31.5° East.

SES ASTRA is an SES company (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG). SES owns two market-leading satellite operators, SES ASTRA in Europe and SES AMERICOM-NEW SKIES which provides global coverage and connectivity. The company owns 90% of SES SIRIUS in Europe, as well as strategic participations in Ciel in Canada and QuetzSat in Mexico. SES provides outstanding satellite communications solutions via a fleet of 40 satellites in 26 orbital positions around the globe. Additional information on SES is available at: www.ses.com

About YAHSAT www.yahsat.ae
Yahsat is a United Arab Emirates-based satellite communications company providing hybrid satellite communications services to commercial and governmental clients in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and South-West Asia. With a wide portfolio of voice, data, video and internet connectivity solutions, Yahsat satellites are designed based on market requirements and future applications.

Yahsat is partnering with the consortium of EADS Astrium, Thales and Alenia Space to build a hybrid satellite communications system. The first satellite Yahsat 1A is currently being built and will be launched in the fourth quarter of 2010, and Yahsat 1B will follow in mid 2011.

Yahsat is owned by Mubadala Development Company, an investment firm that is helping to diversify Abu Dhabi's economy through capital intensive investments and by building businesses. Mubadala establishes new companies and acquires strategic holdings in existing companies, either in the UAE or abroad. In partnership with world class investors, the company actively manages investments in strategic sectors including energy, real estate, healthcare, aerospace and services. These investments diversify and further develop the growing economy of Abu Dhabi, while achieving superior returns on its investments.

For further information please contact:

Markus Payer
SES ASTRA
+ 352 710 725 500

Salma Al Mansouri
Yahsat
+9712 406 1152

Sweta Sewa
Sr. Account Executive
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