Intelsat and BSAT launches cancelled after last-minute anomaly

The launch of Arianespace’s VA239 flight, carrying Intelsat 37e and Japan’s BSAT-4a, has been cancelled in its final seconds on the launchpad after an anomaly was detected on the launcher.

Arianespace said that as the Vulcain cryogenic main stage engine was being ignited, the checkout process detected an anomaly on the launcher, interrupting the final countdown.

The company said that data analysis is underway to determine the cause of the anomaly. The launcher will be transferred back to the final assembly building in Kourou where it will be returned to a flight-ready condition.

Arianespace said it would set a new launch date for the rocket soon.

The flight was due to loft Intelsat’s latest satellite, along with the Japanese BSAT-4a satellite, into orbit.

Intelsat 37e, the fifth satellite in Intelsat’s next-generation Epic NG fleet, was set to be orbited at the 342° East slot, replacing Intelsat 901, which is to be repositioned. The craft will provide C, Ku- and Ka-band capacity principally for broadband, mobility and government customers.

BSAT-4a is scheduled to orbit at the 110° East slot to provide direct broadcasting, including 4K and 8K Ultra HD content.