Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, announced it signed a deal with SpaceX to launch its next-generation Thuraya 4-NGS satellite atop a Falcon 9 rocket. The mission is scheduled for the second half of 2023. “SpaceX’s Falcon 9 was selected primarily due to its high reliability and advanced capabilities, underscoring Yahsat’s continued commitment to maximising quality and performance across its businesses,” the company said in the press release.
“SpaceX is a leader in the manufacture and launch of space technology and is consistently recognised for its ground-breaking innovation and relentless focus on simplicity and effectiveness. To date, SpaceX has successfully completed 128 launches.” SpaceX’s fleet of Falcon 9 rockets have demonstrated high reliability for over a decade. The Falcon 9 is the world’s first orbital-class rocket to feature a reusable first-stage booster, capable of safely launching cargo and astronauts.
“We are delighted to be launching Thuraya 4-NGS with SpaceX. With their capability and capacity for multi-launch sites, we are confident that they are the right provider for us,” said Ali Al Hashemi, Group Chief Executive Officer at Yahsat. “The agreement marks a significant milestone for Yahsat as we continue to develop our technology-enabled infrastructure to prepare for the next stage of our growth.”
Yahsat currently operates five satellites that provide a wide-range of services to the UAE government and private organizations, including internet data, mobile voice service, and video broadcast. The company’s next-generation satellite, Thuraya 4-NGS, will replace two of the satellites in orbit; It features new advanced technology that will enable a more reliable service coverage across 150 countries located in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Central Asia regions. Thuraya 4-NGS will be manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space.
“For launch of its advanced technology, Yahsat sought a reliable and high-performance ride to orbit. We’re proud it has selected Falcon 9, one of the world’s most frequently flown launch vehicles, and we look forward to a successful mission,” said SpaceX’s Vice President of Commercial Sales Tom Ochinero.
“The UAE has established its position as a competitive player in the space industry by collaborating with global leaders such as SpaceX. At Yahsat, we will continue forging partnerships with the world’s most innovative companies to enhance our competitiveness, deliver on our ambitious growth and expansion plans, and continue to create value for our customers, shareholders and the UAE,” Ali Al Hashemi stated.
SpaceX Vice President of Commercial Sales Tom Ochinero & Yahsat Group Chief Executive Officer Ali Al Hashemir sign contract. / Source: Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) Press Release.
About the Author
Evelyn Arevalo
Evelyn J. Arevalo joined Tesmanian in 2019 to cover news as a Space Journalist and SpaceX Starbase Texas Correspondent. Evelyn is specialized in rocketry and space exploration. The main topics she covers are SpaceX and NASA.
