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Arabsat to Launch Satellite Next Year |
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DUBAI, UAE, Mar. 1, 2007/Satnews Daily/ ― Satellite communications provider Arabsat plans to launch its fifth satellite into orbit in the second quarter of 2008. The Saudi-based intergovernmental organization, which is currently developing a plan to go public, will take delivery of its Badr-6 satellite in the first quarter of next year and will put it in space in middle of the year, said CEO Khalid Balkheyour.
Arabsat has also commissioned the design of an additional three communications satellites to be launched in 2009 and 2010. It currently broadcasts 240 channels to 130 million viewers. In November 2006 it successfully launched Badr-4, a geostationary satellite providing bandwidth for broadcasters in the Middle East and Africa. The launch comes after the failure of one of its satellites, Arabsat-4a, to make it into the designated orbit earlier in the year. The Breeze-M upper stage was supposed to deliver the Arabsat 4a into geosynchronous orbit following its launch in February 2006. The launcher's main engine, however, apparently shut down four minutes early during the second of four engine firings, placing the satellite into the wrong orbit.
Recent Stories: Arabsat and Nilesat Sign Partnership Agreement to Establish “Arabsat Media Gateway Peace TV to be Aired Exclusive on Arabsat's BADR-3 constellation at 26°East New Iraqi Bouquet Joins Arabsat's Badr Constellation at 26°East |
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