GECs
Arianespace to launch BSat-3a for Japan in 2007
MUMBAI: Arianespace CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall announced at the Paris Air Show that Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems had selected Arianespace to launch the BSat-3a spacecraft for the Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-Sat) of Japan.
BSat-3a will be launched on an Ariane 5 in the second quarter of 2007 from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
BSAT-3a will be the sixth satellite entrusted by the B-Sat Corporation to the European Ariane launcher and the 38th Lockheed Martin platform to be lofted by Arianespace. This is the 22nd satellite payload that Arianespace has won in Japan out of the 30 that have been open to commercial launch services competition.
BSat-3a will be built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems at its facility in Newtown, Pennsylvania, using an A2100 A platform. Weighing approximately 2,000 kgs. at liftoff, it will be positioned at 110 degrees East longitude and will have a design life of more than 13 years.
The BSat-3a’s payload of eight 130-Watt Ku-band transponders will provide direct-to-home broadcasts from a geostationary orbit to subscribers throughout Japan.
“We are honored to work once again with Lockheed Martin’s satellite division. This contract underscores the strong relationship we have developed over the years with LMCSS. We are of course also very proud to serve a faithful customer like B-Sat Corporation,” said Le Gall.
“We have chosen Arianespace because of the commitment to excellence they bring to satellite launch. We are pleased that once again we will be working with them,” said LMCSS president Ted Gavrilis.
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
