(3 March 2009 10:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Measat Satellite Systems has received confirmation from Intelsat that the Measat-3a satellite has been scheduled for launch in June 2009.

Measat-3a has been returned to the Orbital Sciences facility in Dulles, US after the completion of a complex de-fueling and decontamination process.

The satellite is now undergoing final repairs and testing in preparation for the June 2009 launch.

Measat senior VP space systems development Dr Ali Ebadi says, “We have been working closely with Orbital Sciences on the repairs of the satellite. We are happy with the progress, and we look forward to seeing the satellite return to the launch site for a June 2009 launch.”

Measat-3a, manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation, has been designed to support the growth of the Measat Direct-to-Home TV and broadcast distribution neighbourhood at the 91.5E orbital slot.

The launch of the satellite on a Land-Launch Zenit-3SLB launch vehicle, contracted with Intelsat, had been postponed from August 2008 due to an incident during pre-launch operations at the launch site.