Arianespace has announced a launch services contract with Intelsat S.A., the world's leading provider of satellite services, for the launch of three satellites through 2017.

Weighing more than six tons each at launch, the satellites will be placed into GTO by the Ariane 5 ECA from Europe's Space Port in French Guiana.

The three missions will include the launches of Intelsat's previously announced, high throughput EpicNG-class satellites.

Intelsat EpicNG is designed to address wireless and fixed telecommunications, enterprise, mobility, video and government applications that require broadband infrastructure.

On this occasion, Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, declared: "We are particularly proud to be able to serve the world's largest satellite operator and we thank Intelsat.

It is an honor to continue a partnership that goes back nearly 33 years.

This new contract for three satellites - representing the 52nd, 53rd, and 54th satellites Arianespace will have launched for Intelsat - is for us a confirmation of the quality and the competitiveness of our launch services."