[Satellite TODAY 04-26-11] Arianespace successfully launched the Yahsat Y1A and Intelsat New Dawn satellites April 22 on an Ariane 5 rocket from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, the launch company announced.
    The launch, which was postponed last month after an anomaly was detected on the launcher’s Vulcain cryogenic main stage engine during the final ignition checkout process, represents Ariane 5’s second successful mission of 2011.
    Yahsat Y1A, built by Astrium and Thales Alenia Space for Al Yah Satellite Communications (Yahsat), 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.
    Orbital Sciences built Intelsat New Dawn for New Dawn Satellite Co. – a joint venture between Intelsat and Convergence Partners. New Dawn’s 28 C-band and 24 Ku-band 36 MHz transponder units are designed to supply communications infrastructure for customers in the African region. The satellite will operate from a geostationary orbital slot at 32.8 degrees East.