France-based Arianespace announced in Tokyo on Thursday that it has signed a contract with Japan's Space Communications Corp. to launch a telecommunications satellite in the early part of 2000.

Japan's new Superbird-4 telecommunications satellite is being launched to replace an older version and will be used mainly for television broadcasting.

At a press conference to announce the launch, the European corporation stressed its long-term commitment to Japan, and Arianespace Chairman and CEO Jean-Marie Luton said his company is proud to have launched two-thirds of Japan's satellites, adding that this one will be the thirteenth.

SCC is the first Japanese corporation to commit to having a satellite launched into space using the Ariane 5, Arianespace's new rocket scheduled to replace the Ariane 4.

Introduction of the Ariane 5, designed to carry a 6-ton payload, or a pair of satellites, is likely to give the firm a boost over its competitors. Although it is not yet a complete success, officials say they are confident about the rocket's second qualification launch, scheduled for this summer. "The (commercial space transportation) market is evolving very quickly," said Senior Vice President Ralph Jeager.

Responding to a question on the implications the Asian financial crisis has for the space industry, one Arianespace official said that over the next 12 months, it may be that "certain projects will be deferred," but the slowdown has reinforced the need for a better-developed telecommunications infrastructure in Asia.