Arianespace Postpones Skynet-5C, Turksat-3A Launch

[Satellite Today – 6-3-08] Arianespace postponed the launch of Skynet-5C and Turksat-3A, the company announced May 30.
    Arianespace halted the launch countdown during final pre-launch checks when the result of a software test was not nominal. The launch vehicle and the two payloads are in a safe condition, the company reported.
    The mission, originally scheduled for May 23, was pushed back for the first time to May 30 in order to perform complementary checks on the launch vehicle.
    Turksat 3A, built by Thales Alenia Space, will be used by Ankara-based Turksat to provide telecommunication services and direct TV broadcasting over Turkey, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia.
Skynet 5C is a secure military telecommunications satellite built by EADS Astrium and will serve as an in-orbit backup for the Skynet 5A and 5B satellites.