ASIA

Communications Satellite Launched: The launch allows Greenwich, Conn., satellite firm PanAmSat Corp. to complete its global satellite coverage and gives a boost to the Asian expansion plans of international broadcasters. PanAmSat-4 was put into orbit by European consortium Arianespace at a launch site in Kourou, French Guiana, Arianespace said. From its orbital position over the Indian Ocean, the satellite can serve 4.7 billion people in Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. It has a capacity of carrying 325 TV channels or more than 54,000 simultaneous phone calls. Companies with space booked on the satellite include ESPN, Turner Broadcasting System Inc., the Disney Channel and Viacom. PanAmSat is half-owned by Mexico’s Grupo Televiso.