The SES satellite which will deliver new pay-TV operator On Digital Media's (ODM) broadcast channels to South Africa and later to Sub-Saharan Africa, has been successfully launched.
The Sirius 4 satellite had a problem-free launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in the early hours of 18 November, strapped to the back of a Proton rocket.
Commenting on the launch, Steve Rich, Vice President of SES Astra, ODM's technology partner, said: "SES Astra will provide state-of-the-art services to ODM from the Sirius 4 satellite.
"The SIRIUS 4 satellite will be located at 5° East, its orbital position for delivering broadcast and broadband services across Europe, as well as transmitting High Definition Television (HDTV) channels."
According to Vino Govender, Director of ODM, SES ASTRA is developing a video neighbourhood over Africa and will use the Sirius 4 bandwidth to deliver free-to-air and subscription television to broadcasters.
"We are very proud and satisfied that the mission has been a success," concludes Rich. "It is the result of excellent collaboration on the part of our launch partners, International Launch Services and Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems."
ODM plans to go live on air with its new pay-TV offering in the second half of 2008.