The SA-backed US$250 New Dawn satellite failed to blast off into space last night as scheduled after the launch sequence was shut down automatically.

The satellite was meant to be launched last night from French Guiana aboard an Ariane 5 rocket but the launch was “scrubbed” following an automatic shutdown, according to a statement from Intelsat.

New Dawn was one of two satellites that were meant to blast off on the rocket, the other being Middle East-backed Yahsat, which is also meant to serve markets in the region.

According to Intelsat, which co-owns New Dawn with SA’s Convergence Partners, the reasons for the launch failure would be investigated and another launch attempt would follow “at a later date”.

Announced in December 2008, the satellite is meant to serve the African market. — Staff reporter, TechCentral