After a month of launch from Kouru, French Guiana, the MEASAT-3d satellite began commercial service after being officially handed over by Airbus Defense and Space. The delivery was made ahead of schedule after it successfully completed tests in orbit.
MEASAT-3d is a multi-functional satellite that is expected to operate for up to 18 years. It has C-band and Ku-band payload capabilities for video and Direct-to-Home (DTH) services and Ka-band payloads for high-speed broadband internet offerings. This is to support the National Digital Interconnection (JENDELA) target by the Malaysian Government to achieve 100% Internet coverage by 2025.
In addition, the satellite also provides the first Q/V band payload of its kind in the Asia Pacific region, allowing MEASAT to study the effects of radio frequency propagation in areas experiencing heavy rains such as Malaysia, which will help the process of designing the next generation of satellites.
Finally, MEASAT-3d also carries payloads for KTSAT that will be used to improve the accuracy of GPS signals for airplanes as well as further increase the safety of airplane flights in South Korea.