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Yahsat selects SpaceX to launch Thuraya 4-NGS satellite

A SpaceX Falcon 9 will launch Thuraya 4-NGS, being built by Airbus for Yahsat, in H2 of 2023.

Yahsat has selected SpaceX’s Falcon 9 to launch Thuraya 4-NGS, the group’s advanced satellite, which employs the latest satellite communications technologies, to expand Thuraya’s coverage across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa.

Yahsat plans to launch Thuraya 4-NGS in the second half of 2023, with operations scheduled to commence in 2024.

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.

Speaking about the deal, Ali Al Hashemi, Group Chief Executive Officer 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. 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.”

Sales Tom Ochinero, Vice President of Commercial of SpaceX, added: “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.”

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 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. Yahsat plans to launch Thuraya 4-NGS in the second half of 2023, with operations scheduled to commence in 2024.