Yahsat Selects GMV to Provide Spacecraft Control Systems for Upcoming Thuraya 4-NGS Satellite

02 September, 2021

Al Yah Satellite Communications Company has selected the Spanish group, GMV, to supply the Spacecraft Control & Flight Dynamics Systems for Thuraya 4-NGS, a next-generation L-band mobile communications satellite system scheduled to begin operations in 2024.

Through this new partnership, GMV’s best-in-class solutions will provide Yahsat’s Thuraya 4-NGS with an advanced, multi-mission, multi-satellite Spacecraft Control System (Hifly) and Flight Dynamics System (FocusSuite) for greater functionality, reliability, flexibility and user-friendliness. The Spacecraft Control System will enable secure and reliable control of the satellite throughout its operational lifecycle, via easy to use yet powerful tools provided by the system. The Flight Dynamics System will help Yahsat to improve performance and ultimately maximize the lifetime of Thuraya 4-NGS, directly improving the longer-term capex efficiency for the company. GMV will also be responsible for the deployment and integration of the control center, as well as system maintenance and operator training.

The agreement marks another important milestone for Yahsat as it continues to roll out its unique L-band next-generation system, a key component of its growth strategy and commitment to bring secure and reliable mobile satellite connectivity to users across the globe.

Adnan Al Muhairi, Chief Technology Officer at Yahsat, said: “Today’s announcement marks an important step in the ongoing development of Thuraya 4-NGS, Yahsat’s next-generation satellite. Following the successful completion of a Preliminary Design Review in June this year, the construction of Thuraya 4-NGS is on schedule. The new satellite is expected to launch in the second half of 2023, with operations commencing in 2024.”

“Thuraya 4-NGS will accelerate Yahsat’s growth across many existing and new product lines, further cementing the Group’s position as a global leader in the satellite communications sector. The new system ensures that we continue to provide best-in-class connectivity, using the latest technologies, to our commercial and government customers in the UAE and internationally.”

Thuraya 4-NGS will boast optimized usage of capacity to serve more customers with improved dynamic resource allocation to optimize the network and overall service quality. Land, Maritime, and Aero customers, across multiple customer segments, including government, consumer and enterprise, will benefit from higher and constant data speeds above 1 Mbps, giving a better experience and service overall.