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ILS Proton Launch of AMC-9 Postponed

BAIKONUR COSMODROME, Kazakhstan, April 26, 2003 -- The Proton launch
of the AMC-9 satellite was postponed today.

During prelaunch verification activities at the launch pad a launch
vehicle component anomaly was identified that requires replacement or
rework. Since this task cannot be accomplished on pad, the launcher
will have to be destacked.

Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center and
International Launch Services will announce a new launch date as soon
as the component is repaired or replaced. A new launch date is
currently estimated to be within 30 days. The satellite is being
launched for Alcatel Space and SES AMERICOM. 

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

###

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

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

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