Program: Europe*Star
Telecommunication satellite program lead by Alcatel with Loral via
Europe*Star. Would use 3 German-registered GEO slots (43, 45 & 47.5°E)
to beam to southern Africa, Asia, Europe, India and the Middle East. Two
satellites planned. Cost: $400 million
Europe*Star Limited (based in London) was owned by France's Alcatel, as
majority shareholder (51%), and Loral Space Communications of the U.S. (47%),
with interest held by the Dr. Schulte-Hillen Group which initiated the project
as Europe*Star GmbH.
In June 2003, Alcatel and Loral reached a settlement over the SS/L partnership.
Alcatel acquired Loral's 47% share in Europe*Star as part of a transaction that
terminated Alcatel's joint ventures with Loral and resolved Alcatel's
litigation against Loral.
In Jul 2005,
Panamsat
purchased the
Europe*Star 1
satellite (renamed Panamsat 12) and 2 GEO slots: 45°E + 47.5°E.
In 2011, is to acquire
Intelsat 702