Article Posted on : - Mar 31, 2011

The Yahsat Y1A satellite at the launchpad. Photo: Arianespace

FRENCH GUIANA (BNS): The launch of Yahsat Y1A satellite and Intelsat New Dawn satellites was delayed seconds before the scheduled lift off, launch operator Arianespace said.

The Vulcain cryogenic main stage engine of the satellite was ignited during the final countdown of the launch.

The new schedule date for the lift of Y1A satellite from French Guiana aboard a European Space Agency Ariane 5 ECA rocket is yet to be announced.

The satellite was designed and built by Astrium and Thales Alenia Space.

Y1A is the first satellite built for Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), a pioneer in satellite solutions for the Middle East, Africa, South West Asia and Europe.

It is the first part of a fully integrated satellite communications system, comprising the two Y1A and Y1B satellites and ground segment.

The Yahsat system will provide a fully secure telecommunications infrastructure for the UAE military, as well as offering innovative solutions to commercial operators for broadcasting, internet trunking via satellite, corporate data networks and other technologically advanced services.