KL to launch microsatellite

KL to launch microsatellite

KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): The Malaysian government will pay a Russian company to launch its first microsatellite, Tiung Sat 1, because Arianespace of France failed to meet a deadline, officials in Kuala Lumpur said yesterday.

Science, Technology and Environment Minister Law Hieng Ding said Arianespace, the original company contracted for the launch, faced problems in meeting the scheduled September launching deadline and suggested a delay until the end of next year.

"However, the government wants the satellite launched by early next year," he said. However, he declined to identify the Russian company.