Yahsat selects SpaceX for Thuraya launch
September 10, 2021
By Chris Forrester
Abu Dhabi-based Yahsat used the Satellite 2021 show in Washington DC to announce that they have selected SpaceX to launch its upcoming mobile connectivity and broadband Thuraya 4-NGS satellite.
The satellite will be launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in the second half of 2023. The craft is being built by Airbus.
Yahsat says Thuraya 4-NGS is expected to spur Yahsat’s growth across new and existing product lines, with the new technology enabling the Group to maintain its leading position as the global leader in the satellite communications industry by delivering higher capabilities and flexibility while increasing capacity and coverage across Europe, Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East, enabling next-generation connectivity solutions for all customer segments, including defence, government and enterprise.
Ali Al Hashemi, Group CEO at Yahsat, said: “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. 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.”
He added: “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.”