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Successful Launch for Boeing-Built Thuraya-2 Mobile Communications
Satellite 

ST. LOUIS, June 10, 2003 - Thuraya-2, the second satellite built by
Boeing [NYSE:BA] for Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Company of
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, rocketed to geosynchronous transfer
orbit today aboard a Zenit-3SL provided by Sea Launch Company, LLC.

The Boeing GEO-Mobile model satellite lifted off at 6:56 a.m. PDT
(13:56 GMT) from the Odyssey Launch Platform positioned on the
equator in the Pacific Ocean. The spacecraft separated from the
launch vehicle approximately one hour and 40 minutes after the
launch, and minutes later its first signals were received at a
Telemetry, Tracking and Control Station at Uralla, Australia,
confirming normal operation. 

"The newest light in the heavens is Thuraya-2, a mobile
communications satellite that will help connect users on the move
within a vast area of the globe," said Dave Ryan, president of
spacecraft builder Boeing Satellite Systems International. "A
thorough check-out on orbit lies ahead for the satellite, and we are
confident that it will soon take its place as a vital long-term asset
supporting Thuraya's future growth." 

Built in El Segundo, Calif., Thuraya-2 is designed to operate for 12
years at the 44 degrees East longitude orbital slot. The satellite
will add capacity to the Thuraya network, which provides mobile voice
and data communication services to a region of more than 100
countries in Europe, the Middle East, North and Central Africa, and
Central and South Asia. 

The Boeing Company is the world's leading aerospace company, with its
heritage mirroring the history of flight. It is the largest
manufacturer of satellites, commercial jetliners and military
aircraft. The company is also a global market leader in missile
defense, human space flight and launch services.

Click Here for launch photos.

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Contact:
Richard Esposito
Boeing Satellite Systems
310-335-6314
richard.esposito{at}boeing.com

Madonna Walsh
Boeing IDS News Bureau
314-234-1362
madonna.a.walsh{at}boeing.com

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