PRESS RELEASE Astrium operational On 17th May 2000, Astrium, Europe's leading space company, was formally launched. The Astrium name, with its Latin roots, underpins European heritage and character. The Company's logo is clear and visually striking. The name, in the dark blue of deep space, is solid and dependable, while the vertical elements, in orange, represent a dynamic vision of the future. ASTRIUM offers activities that cover the whole spectrum of the space business, from ground systems to satellites, launch vehicles and orbital infrastructure. In all these fields ASTRIUM has an impressive track record: a world leader in Earth observation satellites an international player in scientific programmes prime contractor for more than fifty communications satellites a major partner in launch vehicle programmes the first European prime contractor for orbital infrastructure programmes. The combination of all these interests enables ASTRIUM to benefit from the technological, marketing and financial strength of the three partners. In 1999 ASTRIUM had a pro-forma consolidated turnover of 2 billion euros. The Company employs more than 7,500 people. The ASTRIUM merger is the result of the determination of its shareholders, Aerospatiale Matra and DaimlerChrysler Aerospace, soon to be EADS, and BAE SYSTEMS, to create the European leader in space activities and number three in the world. It will give its customers a formidable 'one-stop shop' for everything to do with space. Astrium will offer cost effective, reliable, turnkey solutions, tailored for its customers. END For further information, please contact: Astrium - SAS F Remi ROLAND 33 (0)1 34 88 35 78 Astrium - Ltd UK Alistair SCOTT 44 (0)1 438 77 36 98 Astrium - GmbH D Götz WANGE 49 (0) 75 458 91 22, Mathias SPUDE 49 (0) 421539-5710