# MEASAT-3a

> Malaysian communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q4043404](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4043404)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MEASAT-3a)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/measat-3a

## Summary
MEASAT-3a is a Malaysian communications satellite operated by MEASAT Satellite Systems. Launched on June 21, 2009, it is designed for telecommunications purposes. It utilizes a GEOStar-2 spacecraft bus and had a launch mass of 2367 kilograms.

## Key Facts
*   MEASAT-3a is a communications satellite.
*   It is a Malaysian satellite, operated by MEASAT Satellite Systems.
*   Its launch date was June 21, 2009.
*   The satellite was manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation.
*   It was launched using a Zenit-3SLB rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 45.
*   MEASAT-3a has a launch mass of 2367 kilograms.
*   It uses the GEOStar-2 spacecraft bus.
*   Its COSPAR ID is 2009-032A and NSSDCA ID is 2009-032A.
*   MEASAT-3a followed MEASAT-3 and was followed by MEASAT-3b in the satellite series.

## FAQs
### Q: What is MEASAT-3a?
A: MEASAT-3a is a Malaysian communications satellite. It is operated by MEASAT Satellite Systems and was designed to provide telecommunications services.

### Q: When was MEASAT-3a launched?
A: MEASAT-3a was launched on June 21, 2009. The launch took place from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 45.

### Q: Who manufactured MEASAT-3a?
A: MEASAT-3a was manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation. It operates under MEASAT Satellite Systems.

### Q: What rocket launched MEASAT-3a into space?
A: MEASAT-3a was launched into space by a Zenit-3SLB expendable carrier rocket. It also utilized a Blok-DM-SLB space tug.

### Q: What is the primary purpose of MEASAT-3a?
A: As a communications satellite, MEASAT-3a's primary purpose is for telecommunications. It is designed to operate in a geostationary orbit.

## Why It Matters
MEASAT-3a holds significance as a key component of Malaysia's telecommunications infrastructure. As a Malaysian communications satellite, it plays a vital role in providing essential telecommunications services, contributing to connectivity and communication capabilities within its coverage area. Operated by MEASAT Satellite Systems, it represents an ongoing commitment to satellite-based services, following MEASAT-3 and preceding MEASAT-3b in the company's fleet. Its deployment ensures the continuity and expansion of satellite capacity, supporting various communication needs for its operator and the region it serves. The satellite's successful launch and operation underscore the importance of space technology in facilitating modern communication networks.

## Notable For
*   Being a Malaysian communications satellite operated by MEASAT Satellite Systems.
*   Its launch aboard a Zenit-3SLB rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 45.
*   Utilizing the GEOStar-2 spacecraft bus for its design.
*   Its role in the MEASAT series, following MEASAT-3 and preceding MEASAT-3b.
*   Being powered by two spacecraft solar arrays and a BT-4 apogee kick motor.

## Body

### Overview
MEASAT-3a is a Malaysian communications satellite. It is operated by MEASAT Satellite Systems and is classified as an artificial satellite designed for telecommunications. Its country of origin is Malaysia.

### Launch Details
The launch of MEASAT-3a occurred on June 21, 2009. The satellite was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 45. The launch vehicle used was a Zenit-3SLB rocket, specifically identified as SB60.3. A Blok-DM-SLB space tug, designated SLB 3L, was also involved in the launch process. MEASAT-3a's COSPAR ID is 2009-032A, and its NSSDCA ID is also 2009-032A.

### Technical Specifications
MEASAT-3a had a launch mass of 2367 kilograms. It was manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation and utilizes the GEOStar-2 spacecraft bus. The satellite is powered by two spacecraft solar arrays, which serve as its electric power source, and a BT-4 apogee kick motor. It is designed to operate in a geostationary orbit.

### Context and Series
MEASAT-3a is part of a series of satellites. It followed the former Malaysian communications satellite MEASAT-3 and was subsequently followed by MEASAT-3b, another Malaysian communications satellite.

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  "description": "Malaysian communications satellite",
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  "additionalType": "https://schema.org/Satellite",
  "countryOfOrigin": {
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    "name": "Malaysia"
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  "launchDate": "2009-06-21",
  "manufacturer": {
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    "name": "Orbital Sciences Corporation"
  },
  "operator": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "MEASAT Satellite Systems"
  },
  "mass": {
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    "value": 2367,
    "unitCode": "KGM"
  }
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/measat-3a.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report