The sophisticated AMOS-3 communications satellite was sent into orbit from the Baikonur Cosmodrome launch site in Kazakhstan.
AMOS-3 is to be placed in the same orbital location as AMOS-1 and AMOS-2, eventually replacing AMOS-1 with enhanced capabilities, including broadband coverage. AMOS-1 has been in orbit since 1996.
Spacecom said the original launch was pushed back after engineers discovered a flaw in the mechanism responsible for the disengagement between the satellite support arm and the launcher.
The company emphasized that the malfunction was in the launcher rather than the satellite itself.
The $170 million satellite is designed to offer increased
capacity, expanded coverage and improved links between the Mideast and Europe and the eastern U.S. It is to remain in space 18 years.