Malaysia

A long-time user of INTELSAT and Indonesian communications satellites, Malaysia decided in 1991 to establish a domestic GEO communications system with the aid of US-built spacecraft. Two Malaysia East Asia Satellites (MEASATs) are scheduled for launch beginning in 1996 with a principal location at 91.5 degrees E. The Hughes HS-376 spin-stabilized spacecraft will feature several improvements over its class, including gallium arsenide solar cells, greater payload power availability, and a new lightweight, high-gain antenna. The MEASAT 1 communications payload will consist of 12 C-band and four, high power (110 W) Ku-band active transponders. The design lifetime is 12 years.