The first contract will be for the launch of the Spaceway 2 satellite in April 2005.  This 6.1 metric ton satellite carries an all Ka-Band payload destined to expand and enhance DIRECTV's direct-to-home (DTH) television service and to provide satellite broadband services across the United States. The second contract is for an un-named direct-to-home satellite.  Both payloads will fly the Ariane 5 from Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

Launch preparation of the Spaceway 2 satellite will be completed in a record-breaking seven months from contract signature to launch.  The speed of the campaign demonstrates how only Arianespace can deliver true mission assurance to customers worldwide.

"We always appreciate the attention to customer service provided by Arianespace," said Romulo Pontual, Executive VP and CTO, The DIRECTV Group.  "We look forward to two more successful Ariane launches."

"We are thrilled to be working once again with DIRECTV," said Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace.  "This contract proves Arianespace's flexibility and innovative solutions meet our customers' changing needs."

"The contracts also mark the first use of Arianespace's unique approach of providing "mass in orbit" to its customers," remarked Le Gall, "giving a combined price for the two contracts based on the total mass of the satellites." 

"Our relationship with DIRECTV began more than a decade ago with the launch of DBS-1.  We made history with the record-setting 20 day launch campaign of DIRECTV-4S, and are setting new standards in customer service with these unique contracts," continued Le Gall.  "We are proud to have played an important role in the successful development of direct-to-home television in the United States, and look forward to being a part of its bright future."

About Arianespace

Arianespace is the leading global commercial launch services provider offering a family of vehicles able to launch any mass to any orbit.  Created in 1980 as the world's first commercial space transportation company, Arianespace has signed contracts for the launch of more than 250 satellite payloads.  Arianespace is a member of the innovative Launch Services Alliance with Boeing Launch Services and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries that provides true mission assurance to satellite operators around the globe.  For further information, see the Arianespace Web site at www.arianespace.com.

About The DIRECTV Group

DIRECTV is the nation's leading digital multichannel television service provider with more than 13 million customers.  DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo are registered trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc., a unit of The DIRECTV Group Inc. (NYSE: DTV).The DIRECTV Group is a world-leading provider of digital multichannel television entertainment and broadband satellite networks and services. The DIRECTV Group is 34 percent owned by Fox Entertainment Group, which is approximately 82 percent owned by News Corporation Ltd. For more information, visit www.directv.com.