Yahsat 1a launch aborted just seconds before launch in French Guiana
The Ariane 5 launcher due to launch the Yahsat 1a satellite into orbit has had its launch countdown aborted, just seconds before the solid rocket boosters were due to be ignited.
An anomaly on the launcher interrupted the final countdown last night and an analysis is under way in French Guiana to determine the cause of the anomaly.
It will now be transferred to the Final Assembly Building for checks and Arianespace has yet to set a new launch date.
Yahsat 1a was due to be positioned at 52.5 deg. East. When fully commissioned it will deliver a variety of services including internet links, business data networks and television transmission services, particularly high-definition TV.
Yahsat is the first company in the Middle East and Africa to offer hybrid satellite services to the region, having been granted a 10-year satellite services licence in March 2010 by the UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA).
The Yahsat project was initiated by Mubadala, Abu Dhabi government’s strategic investment and development organisation, with feasibility studies beginning in 2005 and a detailed market assessment completed in March 2006.
Mission control for the Yahsat satellites is located in Al Falah, a 30-minute drive from Abu Dhabi. Following a succesful launch, a team of UAE nationals will control the satellite in space.
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