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ILS Proton Launch of AMC-9 Postponed

BAIKONUR COSMODROME, Kazakhstan, May 17, 2003 -- The Proton launch of
the AMC-9 satellite was postponed today, International Launch
Services announced.

During routine prelaunch verification activities at the launch pad a
launch vehicle anomaly on one of the gyro units was identified that
requires replacement of the unit.

Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center and
International Launch Services will announce a new launch date as soon
as the unit is replaced. The satellite is being launched for Alcatel
Space and SES AMERICOM.

For updated status, please check the ILS website or the U.S. domestic
Launch Hotline at 1-800-852-4980.

###

Contact: Fran Slimmer, International Launch Services, McLean, Va.;
mobile:1-646-229-4801; fran.slimmer{at}lmco.com.

Michelle Lyle, International Launch Services, McLean, Va.;
1-571-633-7463; mobile:1-646-258-1400; michelle.lyle{at}lmco.com

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