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 Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall marks the MEASAT-3b contract signing with MEASAT Senior Vice President Ali Ebadi.

MEASAT-3b, 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.

EASAT-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. Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by MEASAT to launch their new satellite. 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.

This latest contract provides further recognition of the outstanding quality and competitiveness of our launch services.” “MEASAT continues to invest in our satellite network to ensure it is able to meet the future needs of our DTH partners across our core Asian markets“ said Datuk Umar bin Haji Abu, Chairman, MEASAT Global Bhd. “Given the importance of the MEASAT-3b satellite, we are delighted to entrust its launch to Arianespace with their unrivalled track record.”

About Arianespace

Arianespace is the world’s leading launch service & solutions company, providing innovation to its customers since 1980. Backed by 21 shareholders and the European Space Agency, Arianespace offers an international workforce renowned for a culture of commitment and excellence. As of 13 December 2011, Arianespace had launched a total of 298 payloads with Ariane launchers, had successfully launched the first Soyuz at the Guiana Space Center and was preparing the first launch of Vega. It has a backlog of 21 Ariane 5 and 17 Soyuz launches, equal to more than three years of business.

About MEASAT

MEASAT is Asia’s leading satellite communications operator. Providing services across five communication satellites, MEASAT supports international broadcasters, DTH platforms and telecom operators across a footprint of over 145 countries across Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, Europe and Australia. The MEASAT fleet will be further strengthened with the addition of AFRICASAT-1a at 46°E in Q4 2012 and MEASAT-3b at 91.5°E in Q4 2013. Leveraging facilities at the MEASAT Teleport and Broadcast Centre, and working with a select group of world-class partners, MEASAT also provides a complete range of broadcast and telecommunications solutions. Services include 3D, high definition and standard definition video playout, video turnaround, co-location, uplinking, broadband and IP termination services.