Arianespace, Lockheed Martin wins Saudi satellites
April 29, 2015
By Chris Forrester
Denver-based Lockheed Martin has won a twin order from Saudi Arabia to build two satellites. Riyadh-based Arabsat-6A is one craft, and other also comes from the Arabsat-owned Hellas-Sat 4/Saudi GeoSat-1, which comprises a convention satellite with a payload from Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology.
The two new satellites – with a total order value of about $650 million – will take Arabsat’s fleet to 10 spacecraft. Arabsat-6A will go to Arabsat’s second orbital slot at 30.5 degrees East, while the Hellas-Sat craft will be located at 39 deg East.
The two satellites will be ready for launch by 2018, and Arianespace has won the contract to take care of the launch. This is the 10th launch contract between Arabsat and Arianespace.
Khalid Balkheyour, President/CEO of Arabsat said: “This year marks the 30th anniversary of our successful partnership with Arianespace. At Arabsat, we have always admired the seriousness and professionalism that Arianespace carry their business process, always seeking perfection. We selected Lockheed Martin to build these satellites due to the impressive technical capabilities and proven track record of the A2100 satellite.”