Orbital Sciences is helping to support its customer, MEASAT Satellite Systems in replanning the MEASAT 3a satellite mission following an accident that occurred over the weekend that damaged the spacecraft, the company has stated.

While at the Baikonour, Kazakhstan launch site, an overhead crane operated by MEASAT's launch service provider accidentally impacted the MEASAT 3a satellite.

A team of MEASAT and Orbital engineers are currently assessing the extent of the damage to determine the next course of action, which may result in the satellite being returned to Orbital's satellite manufacturing facility for repair and retesting.

Based on the findings of the damage assessment, which is expected to take several weeks, the MEASAT and Orbital team will also be replanning the launch schedule.

"We are working closely with our customer to do all that we can to assess the situation and recommend a course of action that will put the mission back on track in as little time as possible," said Mr. Christopher Richmond, Senior Vice President and head of Orbital Commercial Communications satellite programs.

"Orbital is working diligently with MEASAT to overcome this difficult situation and put the mission back on the path toward success."