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ILS Proton to launch Malaysian Satellite, Measat-3
VIRGINIA: International Launch Services (ILS) has announced a contract with Binariang Satellite Systems to launch the Measat-3 satellite in 2005.
The mission will use the Russian-built Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage to place the satellite at 91.5 degrees East longitude, an official release informs. The satellite will serve Malaysia, Southeast and Central Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Australia.
ILS, which claims to be the world’s leading launch provider, is a US-Russian joint venture that markets and manages the commercial launch missions for the Proton vehicle, built by Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center.
Measat-3 is a Boeing 601 model, similar to nine satellites for other operators that have flown on Proton. Binariang is the sole licensed commercial satellite operator in Malaysia. The company claims to have pioneered the development of high-powered Ku-band direct-to-home services into Southeast Asia in 1996. The current Measat-1 and -2 satellites provide C-band and Ku-band connectivity spanning India, Asia and Australia, as well as Hawaii in the US.
The Measat-3 satellite is expected to provide the platform for future growth of the group and ensure Binariang’s position as a strong regional satellite operator. Measat-3 has an expected lifespan of 15 years and will consist of 24 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders.
The Ku-band footprint covers Malaysia, India and China while the C-band covers Asia, Middle East, Eastern Europe, Africa and Australia. The satellite costs $132.5 million. Measat has said that the launch would cost it $48.7 million.
ILS president Mark Albrecht says, “As ILS expands its list of international customers into Southeast Asia, we’re pleased that Binariang, one of the region’s leading satellite operators, has elected to become our customer.” He adds that the Proton rocket, with its history of 300 launches, has developed a reputation in the international satellite community as both a reliable and a capable vehicle.
He says, “The choice of Proton/Breeze M by Binariang over other international suppliers demonstrates Binariang’s confidence in the Russian-built launcher as well as in ILS.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
