KUALA LUMPUR: The MEASAT-3d satellite was successfully launched into orbit from French Guiana in South America at 5.50am (Malaysian time) today.
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The satellite was launched on the Ariane-5 rocket at the Guiana Space Centre, which is also called European Spaceport, in Kourou, about 17,000km from Malaysia.
A Malaysian delegation led by communications and multimedia ministry secretary-general Mohammad Mentek witnessed the launch.
He was accompanied by Malaysian ambassador to France Mohd Zamruni Khalid, Sabah minister of science, technology and innovation Yakub Khan, defence ministry representative Shamsuddin Ludin and MEASAT chief operating officer Yau Chyong Lim.
Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, communications and multimedia minister Annuar Musa and science, technology and innovation minister Dr Adham Baba were among the guests who watched the live streaming of the launching ceremony from World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.
Also present were Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd chairman Tunku Ali Redhauddin Tuanku Muhriz and MEASAT Global Berhad director Shaharul Rezza Hassan.
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Dubbed as the most comprehensive and complex satellite in MEASAT’s fleet, the newest and most advanced satellite costs RM1.2 billion and has a lifespan of 18 years.
It is expected to bridge the digital connectivity gap and shape a better connectivity future for Malaysians in line with the government’s initiatives through the National Digital Network (Jendela) plan.
With the launch of MEASAT-3d, several new communication services will be made available by August.
The satellite, weighing 5,600kg, is capable of providing fast broadband services and supporting high data flow known as High Throughput Satellite (HTS), which is important in the provision of high-bandwidth services, especially in rural areas.-BERNAMA