Saft Signs a new Multi-Year LTA With EADS Astrium to Power all GEO Satellites

PARIS, June 28, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

- New Multi-Year LTA (Long Term Agreement) to Supply Onboard Li-ion Battery Technology for Eurostar GEO Platform Renews and Extends Previous Agreement

Saft has signed a new multi-year LTA (Long Term Agreement) with Astrium to supply the onboard lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery modules for every Eurostar GEO (Geosynchronous Earth Orbit) communications satellite to be built over the next years. This latest LTA renews and extends the previous agreement between Saft and Astrium that commenced in 2006.

The new LTA covers the supply of the onboard battery modules, built with Saft's high-energy VES140 and VES 180 cells, for the latest version of the Eurostar GEO platform, the E3000. The Li-ion batteries will provide a compact, weight-saving source of reliable backup power to maintain the continuous operation of the satellites during the twice-yearly eclipse periods when their solar panels are not able to generate sufficient electrical power.

"Saft and Astrium have worked in close cooperation since the mid 1990s and together we were the first to successfully demonstrate Li-ion batteries in orbit, starting a revolution in communications satellite power," says Philippe Jehanno, General Manager of Saft's Space and Defence Division. "This new and extended LTA further consolidates our relationship with this major prime contractor and also reinforces Saft's position as Europe's leading supplier of battery systems for GEO satellite projects."

A number of Eurostar E3000 satellites will feature Saft's latest Li-ion technology in the form of the new VES 180 cells that offer the highest specific energy (Wh/kg) of any battery chemistry currently available. This will enable the satellite designers to save weight on the battery so that more of the payload can be utilized for revenue earning equipment.

The VES 140 and VES 180 cells are manufactured in Saft's industrial factory in Bordeaux, France and integrated into battery modules and fully tested at Saft's facility In Poitiers, France, before delivery to Astrium in Toulouse for assembly of the E3000 satellite batteries.

About Saft

Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world specialist in the design and manufacture of high-tech batteries for industry. Saft batteries are used in high performance applications, such as industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, space and defence. Saft is the world's leading manufacturer of nickel batteries for industrial applications and of primary lithium batteries for a wide range of end markets. The group is also the European leader for specialised advanced technologies for the defence and space industries and world leader in lithium-ion satellite batteries. Saft is also delivering its lithium-ion technology to new applications in clean vehicles and renewable energy storage. With approximately 4,000 employees worldwide, Saft is present in 18 countries. Its 15 manufacturing sites and extensive sales network enable the group to serve its customers worldwide. Saft is listed in the SBF 120 index on the Paris Stock Market.

For more information, visit Saft at http://www.saftbatteries.com

SOURCE Saft