SES INTRODUCES NEW ASTRA LOGO

A new ASTRA corporate logo was launched today by Société Européenne des Satellites (SES), highlighting the dynamic development and ongoing diversification of its ASTRA Satellite System. Mr Yves Elsen, Director of Marketing of SES, unveiled the newly styled ASTRA trademark at the official opening of the ASTRATour pavilion at the Futuroscope in Poitiers, France (see: Notes to the Editor).

The ASTRA logo continues to be based on graphic elements symbolising the cornerstone of SES’ business: geo-stationary satellites providing TV, radio and multimedia services to audiences across Europe and beyond.

The new logo’s clear and elegant design embodies the appeal and efficiency of the ASTRA satellite system, which boosted programming choice for millions of viewers all across Europe. It also symbolises the dynamic development plans of SES, which will drive the company beyond digital TV and radio broadcasting into broadcasting and multicasting of multimedia services. Last but not least it reflects the image of a company which is pioneering the development of satellite based interactive information highways with the ASTRA Return Channel System (ARCS) scheduled to be available in 1999.

States Yves Elsen, Director of Marketing at SES: "The new logo will further strengthen ASTRA brand recognition. The roll out of the new trademark across all ASTRA language markets will be staged to coincide with extensive marketing and PR efforts scheduled for this year. ASTRA’s traditional trade partners will discover the new ASTRA design at trade fairs and exhibitions throughout Europe. This new distinctive emblem will also be prominently displayed at high profile public events such as the Tour de France, sponsored by SES for the second year running."

Notes to the Editor

ASTRATour at the Futuroscope:

The Futuroscope in Poitiers (France) is a "European Theme Park of the Moving Image", showcasing the latest and most sophisticated audiovisual technologies (giant screens, 3D cinemas, circular cinemas, simulators). It attracted 2.9 million visitors in 1997.

In 1998, the Futuroscope’s new partnership with Société Européenne des Satellites (SES) gives rise to a new pavilion: ASTRATour. The computer images of a dynamic film whisk spectators into space for a guided tour of the ASTRA constellation in orbit. A pre-show presentation explains how signals are transmitted via satellite, in particular how digital TV, radio and multimedia are beamed to millions of viewers across Europe. A 1:1 model of SES’ ASTRA 1K spacecraft will be on display at the ASTRA pavilion at a later stage.