[Satellite TODAY 06-08-11] Measat Global has entered into a contract with Astrium to procure the Measat-3b satellite, the operator announced June 7.

    Astrium will build Measat-3b based on the Eurostar E3000 platform to deliver Ku-band capacity for DTH and Broadband VSAT services across Malaysia, Indonesia and India. The new spacecraft will provide an additional 48 Ku-Band transponders to the 91.5 degrees East orbital location and operate in tandem with the Measat-3 and Measat-3a satellites.

    Measat-3b will have a contractual life of 15 years and is expected to be launched at the end of 2013. The program is expected to cost about $148 million.

    “By more than doubling our Ku-band capacity at 91.5 degrees East, Measat-3b will allow the group to continue to meet the increasing requirements of our DTH and telecommunication customers in Malaysia and across the region,” Measat Chairman Datuk Umar bin Haji Abu said in a statement.