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
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
