Measat Global has awarded the satellite launch for its Measat 3b contract to Arianespace. An Ariane 5 rocket will launch the satellite into orbit during Q4 of 2013.

Measat-3b is 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 one of Asia’s key DTH neighbourhoods. The satellite will weigh approximately 5,800 kg at launch, and with a design life of some 15 years.

Measat-3b is the third Measat craft launched by Arianespace, following the launch of Measat-1 and 2 in 1996. It also marks the tenth launch contract signed by Arianespace this year.

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Categories: Articles, DTH/Satellite