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Contact news - 04.20.06SES AMERICOM CREATES ANNUAL COMPETITION NAMED FOR SATELLITE PIONEER SIR ARTHUR C. CLARKE Clarke Challenge to Identify “New Solutions” to Advance Communications via SatellitePRINCETON, N.J. – April 20, 2006 – A new annual award program sponsored by SES AMERICOM, an SES GLOBAL company (SESG: Luxembourg and Euronext Paris exchanges), is aimed at identifying commercially viable ideas and concepts that show promise of advancing communications satellite technology and services. Named for Arthur C. Clarke, the program will award $50,000 to the winning college or university student or student team that best defines a feasible technical or applications concept that might leapfrog the existing state of development of the industry. Edward Horowitz, President and CEO of SES AMERICOM, said, "The Clarke Challenge sets the stage for an exciting and vibrant competition among the best minds in academia today. Through the Clarke Challenge, we hope to draw out the most imaginative ideas, while at the same time, putting a spotlight on the growth potential of our industry.” Sir Arthur, known worldwide as the author of 2001: A Space Odyssey and dozens of other acclaimed works of fact and fiction, is equally recognized in global scientific and engineering circles as the genius who sixty years ago published a short theoretical essay on communications satellites and the geosynchronous orbit. Speaking from his home in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sir Arthur added, “Sometimes it's hard to see just how far a good idea can go, and I am delighted that SES AMERICOM has created a Challenge for young people designed to advance the state of communications via satellite. I look forward to being part of the process that helps incubate a new generation of young space scientists and engineers and to sending my personal congratulations to the winner of the 2006 Challenge.” SES AMERICOM's Clarke Challenge will benefit a talented individual or team that has shown creative problem-solving originality and dedication in his/her/their academic pursuits and a marked capacity for self-direction. Monies awarded can be used for any purpose the winner(s) decide. Applicant(s) must be in an accredited U.S. institution of higher education, and must submit electronically a complete proposal no later than September 22, 2006. Application details can be found at insert link here to AMERICOM web site. SES AMERICOM is working with both the Arthur C. Clarke Foundation ( www.clarkefoundation.org ) and the University Space Research Association ( www.usra.edu ) to publicize the program. The first award will be made at the end of 2006. About SES AMERICOMThe largest supplier of satellite services in the U.S., SES AMERICOM is recognized as a pioneer of global satellite communications services. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the launch of its first satellite, the company today operates a fleet of 18 spacecraft in orbital positions predominantly providing service throughout the Americas. As a member of the SES GLOBAL family, SES AMERICOM is able to provide end-to-end telecommunications solutions to any region of the world via a fleet of 40 satellites. In addition, AMERICOM Government Services, a wholly owned subsidiary, is dedicated to providing satellite-based communications solutions to both civilian and defense agencies of the U.S. government. With its combined operations, SES AMERICOM serves broadcasters, cable programmers, aeronautical and maritime communications integrators, Internet service providers, mobile communications networks, government agencies, educational institutions, carriers and secure global data networks with efficient communication and content distribution solutions. Media Contacts: Scott Chase 301/879-1613 office
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