Yahsat has selected SpaceX to launch its next-generation Thuraya mobile connectivity satellite in 2023, the companies announced Sept. 8.A Falcon 9 will launch the Thuraya 4-NGS satellite, being built by Airbus Defence and Space for UAE-based Yahsat, in the second half of 2023.
Abu Dhabi / Toulouse, Aug 27, 2020 – Airbus has been selected by Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), the UAE’s leading global satellite operator, to build Thuraya 4-NGS, the next generation mobile telecommunications system that will drive the continued advancement of Thuraya’s L-band business. Thuraya 4-NGS will deliver higher capabilities and flexibility while increasing capacity and coverage across Europe, Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East, enabling next generation mobility solutions for all customer segments, including defense, government and enterprise....This latest commitment from Yahsat takes its total committed investment to date to well over US$500 million, and more is anticipated in the coming years, including an option with Airbus to build Thuraya 5-NGS (an additional satellite identical to Thuraya 4-NGS), strengthening its coverage and capabilities across the Asia Pacific region....Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Thuraya and General Manager of Yahsat Government Solutions (YGS) continued, “Thuraya 4-NGS represents a significant evolution of our L-band capabilities, enabling a wider range of interoperable FSS/MSS solutions for Thuraya and YGS customers. This will be critical in delivering superior defense solutions, such as battlefield communications, to our government users, while offering a complete MSS portfolio to all of our current and future customers and partners to drive the next phase of innovation and growth.” Jean-Marc Nasr, Head of Airbus Space Systems said, “Building on a relationship with Yahsat that dates back more than 10 years, our selection is testament to the innovation and engineering excellence of Airbus’ geostationary satellites. Thuraya 4-NGS, as well as being electric, will also benefit from our latest processed payload technology giving increased flexibility and adaptability over the course of its life in orbit. Yahsat’s new project reinforces Airbus Defence and Space’s position as the world’s number one in electric propulsion satellites.”Based on the state-of-the-art all-electric Airbus Eurostar Neo Platform, Thuraya 4-NGS will incorporate a large 12-metre L-band antenna and a payload with on-board processing providing advanced routing flexibility of up to 3200 channels with dynamic power allocation over a large number of spot beams. It is scheduled for operation in 2024.
Ali Al Hashemi, chief executive of Yahsat, said the company didn’t consider other launch providers for the satellite. “We think SpaceX is the most reliable choice for our mission, to ensure to our shareholders that we will achieve our mission on time,” he said. “It’s the least risky launcher as we see it.”
Wow, from the Space News article:QuoteAli Al Hashemi, chief executive of Yahsat, said the company didn’t consider other launch providers for the satellite. “We think SpaceX is the most reliable choice for our mission, to ensure to our shareholders that we will achieve our mission on time,” he said. “It’s the least risky launcher as we see it.”No point in getting competing bids, I guess.
Ali Al Hashemi, chief executive of Yahsat, said the company did a competitive tender process for the satellite, but that SpaceX offered by far the best proposal. “We think SpaceX is the most reliable choice for our mission, to ensure to our shareholders that we will achieve our mission on time,” he said. “It’s the least risky launcher as we see it.”
Yahsat ordered a next-generation L-band satellite called Thuraya-4 NGS from Airbus two years later to refresh part of Thuraya’s constellation, which SpaceX is slated to launch in 2024.
.@yahsatofficial reviews best/final offers for 2 telecom satellites, reports 6-month delay on @ThurayaTelecom 4-NGS mobile comms sat, plans to bid for work on @uaespaceagency $800M fund including radar observation constellation. @Airbus. http://bit.ly/3E8KT0c
Even more exciting opportunities lie ahead as Yahsat's sixth satellite, Thuraya 4-NGS, set for launch in H1 2024, becomes operational in 2025.
Yahsat reports strong third quarter results for 20237 November 2023[...]The construction of the Thuraya-4 NGS satellite remains on track for launch in 2024 and entry into service in H1 2025[...]
Yahsat reports strongest ever financial results for 2023March 5, 2024[...]Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Chairman of Yahsat, commented: “[...] Yahsat is entering a new phase of its journey following the award of its largest ever government mandate, covering the procurement of two new satellites, Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5, and the upcoming launch of Thuraya 4 in the second half of 2024. [...]"[...]
Thuraya-3 satellite’s comms payload fails in orbitMiddle Eastern satellite operator Yahsat’s subsidiary Thuraya has lost one of its satellite fleet – or rather it has lost is communications payload. The Thuraya 3 communications satellite, located over 98.5 degrees East in geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) reportedly had a serious payload anomaly on 15 April 2024. The company has not released exact details of the anomaly but reports that communications services have been significantly diminished, albeit that the spacecraft itself remains under control.
Only a few months away from the launch of the Thuraya 4 satellite. We are excited to change the face of the telecommunications sector forever. Stay tuned for more news about this historic moment.
