Arianespace Sets Launch Date for Yahsat 1A, New Dawn Satellites

[Satellite TODAY 04-13-11] Arianespace plans to launch the Yahsat 1A and Intelsat New Dawn satellites April 22.
    The initial launch attempt on April 11 was halted in the final seconds before liftoff after an anomaly was detected on the launcher’s Vulcain cryogenic main stage engine during the final ignition checkout process.
    New Dawn, which will provide services over Africa, was funded by an Intelsat joint venture with a South African investor group led by Convergence Partners. The satellite features a payload optimized to deliver wireless backhaul.
    Yahsat 1A, part of a dual-satellite communications system for the Middle East, will be located at 52.5 degrees East.