The launch was initially scheduled for 30 March, but was delayed when an abnormal launch vehicle parameter was detected during the automated checkout procedure after startup of the Ariane 5's cryogenic main engine. The launcher is currently in the spaceport's Final Assembly Building being prepared for its mission.
Operating from a geostationary orbital slot at 32.8ยบ East, Intelsat New Dawn will serve Africa through a payload optimised to deliver new capacity for wireless backhaul, fixed line and wireless infrastructure, broadband and media - the fastest growing satellite-based applications in Africa. The satellite's 28 C-band and 24 Ku-band 36 MHz transponder units are designed specifically to supply critical communications infrastructure for African customers who have experienced exceptional growth along with the development of the region.
Intelsat New Dawn was created through a joint venture between Intelsat and a South African investor group, led by Convergence Partners, with debt funding from African banking institutions such as Nedbank. It's the first African private sector communications satellite.
