Yahsat selects SpaceX to launch its next-generation Thuraya 4-NGS satellite

Al Yah Satellite Communications Company 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.

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.

SpaceX is a leader in the manufacture and launch of space technology and is consistently recognised for its ground-breaking innovation and relentless focus on simplicity and effectiveness. To date, SpaceX has successfully completed 128 launches.

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

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.”

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.”

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

With operations in more than 150 countries spanning 5 continents, Yahsat is the preferred partner for reliable integrated satellite communication solutions and an industry centre of excellence for both government and commercial customers. The Company was established in the UAE in 2007 to meet the growing demand for satcom services by providing a secure and reliable means of global connectivity, regardless of geographic constraints. Thuraya, a subsidiary of Yahsat, operates the Thuraya satellite fleet and has a successful track record of over 20 years in providing innovative services in the global satellite communications sector.