[Satellite TODAY 02-18-11] EADS Astrium delivered Yahsat’s 1A satellite to Arianespace, which will launch the satellite on an Ariance 5 rocket at the end of the first quarter, Astrium announced Feb. 17.
    The satellite originally was intended for launch before the end of 2010 but was delayed by the earthquake that struck Astrium’s L’Aquila, Italy facility in April 2009. The earthquake delayed manufacture of some satellite parts in the L’Aquila plant.
    Yahsat 1A, the first satellite owned and operated by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, aims to provide an expansive coverage footprint across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Southwest Asia to deliver a range of commercial and government satellite service offerings.