The MEASAT 3B direct-broadcasting communications satellite was launched along with the Optus 10 communications satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) by an Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle at 2205 on 11 September 2014 from the Kourou launch site in French Guiana. The VA218 flight had been slightly delayed due to a configuration problem with a down range tracking station located in Kenya.
Built by Airbus Defence and Space for Measat, the 5,897kg spacecraft MEASAT-3b has a design life of 15 years and will provide many DTH (Direct-to-Home) broadcasting services from an orbital position of 91.5 degrees East in Geoostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) using its communications payload of 48 Ku-band transponders.The 3,270kg Optus 10 satellite was built by Space Systems/Loral and will be located at 164 degrees East. The spacecraft will provide DTH, direct , Internet, telephone and data transmission services for Australia, New Zealand and the Antarctic region. The flight marked the 61st continuously successful launch of the Ariane 5 launch vehicle.
