[Satellite Today 04-15-09] Arianespace signed a contract to launch Intelsat’s New Dawn satellite into geostationary transfer orbit, Arianespace announced April 14.
    The launch of Intelsat New Dawn, built by Orbital Sciences Corp., is planned for the end of 2010 and will be the 50th Intelsat satellite orbited by Arianespace. The contract is in addition to the agreement signed by Intelsat and Arianespace in December.
    Intelsat New Dawn, which is fitted with 28 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders, will be positioned at 33 degrees East. The satellite will provide communications infrastructure to Africa supporting wireless backhaul, broadband, direct-to-home and video applications.