[Satellite TODAY 05-25-10] Arianespace has successfully launched the Astra 3B and ComsatBw-2 satellites after technical problems delayed the launch for nearly two months, Arianespace announced May 24.
    The first Ariane 5 launch of 2010 was initially scheduled for April, but problems arose after Arianespace detected an anomaly in the launch vehicle’s pressurization system.
    “We have already seen a strong take-up of the new capacity by our customers and successfully pre-contracted a significant number of transponders prior to launch. This shows the high expectations of our customers and their continuous demand for Astra capacity,” SES Astra CEO Ferdinand Kayser said in a statement.
    The Astra 3B satellite has 60 Ku and four Ka-band transponders (after the first five years 56 Ku- and four Ka-band transponders) and will be located at 23.5 degrees East. It will deliver DTH broadcast services to the Benelux and    Eastern Europe, and serve public and private satellite communication networks across Europe and the Middle East.
    The ComsatBw-2 satellite will deliver key services for the German Bundeswehr (armed forces).  The satellite will be positioned at the orbital position of 13.2 degrees East.

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