Arianespace was chosen to launch satellites MEASAT-3b

The Asian satellite operator has chosen Arianespace (Japanese satellite service and solution company) to launch satellites MEASAT-3b.

MEASAT-3b will be launched into a geostationary orbit with Arianespace 5 boosters from the Guiana Space Center, European Space Airport in French Guiana, in the third quarter of 2013.

MEASAT-3b , built by Astrium, uses the Eurostar E3000 platform, designed to provide 48 Ku band transponders to support DTH broadcast service for Malaysia, India and Indonesia. Located at 91.5 degrees east, MEASAT-3b will have the same location as MEASAT-3 and MEASAT-3a satellites to enhance Asia's key DTH television area. The MEASTA-3b satellite weighs about 5800 kg at the time of launch, and is designed with a lifetime of about 15 years.

MEASAT-3b is the third MEASAT satellite launched by Arianespace, followed by 1996 launches of MEASAT-1 and MEASAT-2. This launch also marks the 10th launch contract signed by Arianespace in 2011.