Cannes, September 9, 2009 – Thales Alenia Space and Indosat announced today that the Launch Early Operation Phase (LEOP) has been successfully completed and the Palapa-D communications satellite is now in the nominal geostationary orbit (GEO). The solar panels and antennas have been deployed, and the payload in-orbit testing (IOT) phase is ready to start.

More info: http://www.thalesgroup.com/Press_Releases/space_090909_Palapa-D_communications_satellite_now_in_geostationary_orbit/

The launch took place at the Xi Chang Satellite Launch Center, in Sichuan Province on August 31-st, but failed to place the spacecraft in the required orbit – due to an issue with the CZ-3B’s third stage.

More info: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/08/chang-zheng-3b-suffers-third-stage-problem-palapa-d/ 

Kourou, French Guiana (SPX) Aug 21, 2009
Arianespace Ariane 5 ECA lifted-off from Kourou, South America at 6:09 pm EDT, on August 21, 2009, on a successful flight to deliver two major Asian communication satellites into geostationary orbit - JCSAT 12 and OPTUS D3.

More info: http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2009/628.asp

Satbeams is featured in the UKs  "What Satellite & Digital TV" July's 2009 issue:

Buy the issue:

Echostar 1 has arrived at the 77W position. Predicted footprints are posted here: http://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=23754

Many thanks to Bajasur1 for providing the news and footprints!

Koreasat 2 has left the position 116.5 East and is moving to 75 East.

Astra 1F has left the position 19.2 East and is moving East.

KazSat 1 satellite that has failed back in Jan 2009 is finally deorbited.