MEASAT Picks Arianspace To Launch MEASAT-3B Satellite

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14 (Bernama) -- Asia’s leading satellite operator, MEASAT Global (MEASAT), has chosen Arianespace to launch the MEASAT-3b satellite. Arianespace is the world’s leading launch service & solutions company. The MEASAT-3b will be boosted into geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 5 launch vehicle from the Guiana Space Center, Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, during the fourth quarter of 2013, Arianespace said in a statement on Wednesday. Its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jean-Yves Le Gall said the latest contract has provided further recognition of the outstanding quality and competitiveness of the company's launch services. "Arianespace is particularly proud of this opportunity to serve a major Asian operator and we would like to thank MEASAT for placing their trust in us," he added. MEASAT-3b is the third MEASAT satellite launched by Arianespace, following the launch of MEASAT-1 and MEASAT-2 in 1996. It also marks the tenth launch contract signed by Arianespace in 2011. The satellite, being built by Astrium using a Eurostar E3000 platform, has been designed to provide 48 Ku-band transponders to support direct-to-home (DTH) broadcast services for Malaysia, India and Indonesia. Positioned at 91.5 degrees East, MEASAT-3b will be co-located with the MEASAT-3 and MEASAT-3a satellites to enhance Asia’s key DTH neighborhood. The satellite will weigh approximately 5,800 kg at launch, and offers a design life of approximately 15 years, the company said. -- BERNAMA Malaysia