International Launch Services (ILS) remains on scheduled to launch the Arabsat 4A satellite aboard a Proton M/Breeze M launce vehicle at 2:10 a.m. local time March 1 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan (3:10 p.m. Feb. 28 EST).

The EADS Astrium-built satellite is a multipurpose communications satellite serving Arab countries and neighboring regions. A hybrid Ku- and C-band payload will carry direct-to-home, interactive TV and Internet broadband services, with additional capacity to accommodate anticipated demand for high-definition TV.

The satellite will be located at 26 degrees East longitude and has an expected service life of 15 years.