We reported yesterday about the delay in launching the MEASAT 3a satellite, but at that time didn't have all of the details. Since then we've learned that Orbital Sciences Corporation [NYSE: ORB] is supporting its customer, MEASAT Satellite Systems [MSE: MEASAT] in replanning the MEASAT 3a satellite mission following an accident that occurred over the weekend resulting in a damaged spacecraft. The report indicates that while at the Baikonour, Kazakhstan launch site, an overhead crane operated by MEASAT's launch service provider accidentally impacted the MEASAT 3a satellite.

A team of MEASAT and Orbital engineers are currently assessing the extent of the damage to determine the next course of action, which may result in the satellite being returned to Orbital's satellite manufacturing facility for repair and retesting.  Based on the findings of the damage assessment, which is expected to take several weeks, the MEASAT and Orbital team will also be replanning the launch schedule. They hope to put the mission back on track in as little time as possible.