MEASAT confirms launch date for new satellite

Malaysia-based MEASAT has confirmed its 3b satellite has been scheduled for launch on 12 September from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

MEASAT Satellite Systems Chief Executive Officer Paul Brown-Kenyon said once operational, MEASAT-3b would be “a key contributor to the Asian pay TV landscape, supporting Direct-To-Home television platforms serving more than 18 million households”.

The satellite’s 48 high-powered Ku-band transponders will expand DTH and VSAT services across Malaysia, India, Indonesia and Australia.

“MEASAT-3b will be co-located with MEASAT-3 and MEASAT-3a at 91.5°E, creating the region’s most powerful and robust orbital location,” said Mr Brown-Kenyon.

MEASAT says its five communication satellites provide services to more than 150 countries representing 80 per cent of the world’s population across Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe.