Malaysia’s latest satellite, Measat-3d, which is MEASAT’s eighth and most advanced satellite, has successfully launched into orbit from French Guiana, South America at 6.50 pm (local time) on 22nd June 2022 (5.50 am Malaysian time, 23rd June 2022) after the lift-off was delayed for 47 minutes for additional checks.
What would it do?
The satellite, which costs RM1.2bil and has an 18-year lifespan, is expected to bridge the digital connectivity gap and shape a better connectivity future for Malaysians in line with the government’s initiatives through the National Digital Network (Jendela) plan, benefiting not only Malaysia but also countries within the satellite’s footprint, including Indonesia and India.
With the launch of Measat-3d, several new communication services would be made available by August this year at the earliest.
Where did it launch?
The Measat communication satellite was launched on an Ariane-5 rocket from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, often known as the European Spaceport, roughly 17,000 kilometres from Malaysia.
Datuk Seri Mohammad Mentek, Secretary-General of the Communications and Multimedia Ministry, led the Malaysian team during the event.
Datuk Mohd Zamruni Khalid, Sabah Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Datuk Yakub Khan, Ministry of Defence representative Datuk Shamsuddin Ludin, and Measat Chief Operating Officer Yau Chyong Lim accompanied him.
Who witnessed the launch in real-time?
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa, and Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba were among those who watched the launching ceremony live from the World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd chairman Tunku Ali Redhauddin Tuanku Muhriz and Measat Global Berhad Shaharul Rezza Hassan were also present along with 600 other guests.
What does the Measat-3d look like?
The satellite, weighing 5,600kg, Measat-3d satellite is a Geostationary Equatorial Orbit or GEO-type satellite that has a wide coverage site and is capable of providing fast broadband services and supporting high data flow known as High Throughput Satellite (HTS).
The HTS is among the important services in the provision of high-bandwidth services, especially in rural areas.
Other telecommunications service providers can also use the satellite to offer data, voice, and video services to three to five per cent of the population not yet covered by fibre network or wireless broadband connections, similar to what is as offered by MEASAT through the CONNECTme NOW satellite broadband service.
When did we receive Measat-3d’s first signal?
The first Measat-3d telemetry signal was received exactly at 6.41 am on Thursday, the 23rd of June, marking the complete successful launch of the satellite.
Measat-3d’s first separation from the rocket occurred at 6.19 am Malaysian time and the second, at 6.34 am, before the first signal transmitted from space to Earth was received seven minutes later.
The King congratulates the Federal Government
The government and Measat Global Berhad (MEASAT) were congratulated on the successful launch of the MEASAT-3d satellite by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
His Majesty also expressed his happiness with the success of the launch, according to Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin, Comptroller of the Royal Household for Istana Negara.
Al-Sultan Abdullah also stated that Malaysians will have high-speed Internet access via satellite broadband services throughout the Peninsula, Sabah, and Sarawak, whether in urban, suburban, or rural areas.
“His Majesty said it is also in line with the government’s initiative through the National Digital Network (JENDELA) plan to bridge the digital connectivity gap and create a digitally inclusive society in the country without marginalising any group of people.”
“His Majesty also expresses hope that Malaysians will reap various socio-economic benefits such as participation in e-commerce activities and digital learning,” Ahmad Fadil said in a statement.
