This step follows the signing of an Authorisation-to-Proceed with Airbus in Q2 2023 to begin initial activities related to the AY4 and AY5 satellite program.
Airbus will design and build the AY4 and AY5 satellites based on the Eurostar Neo platform. Each satellite will have flexible payloads and benefit from the heritage of the Eurostar family. The payloads can be reconfigured in orbit, adjusting coverage, capacity, and frequency to meet changing mission needs.
AY4 and AY5 will provide secure governmental communications over the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. These satellites will replace Al Yah 1 and Al Yah 2, launched in 2011 and 2012 respectively, which were based on an earlier version of the Airbus Eurostar platform.
Alain Faure, Head of Space Systems at Airbus, said: "Today marks a real milestone with Yahsat selecting our pioneering fully flexible satellite technology. Sixteen years ago, we signed our first contract with Yahsat, bringing the first sovereign telecommunications satellite to the UAE. And now, our long-standing relationship is moving up a gear with this contract for two Eurostar Neos, further strengthening Yahsat's in-orbit resources."
Ali Al Hashemi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Yahsat, commented: "We are delighted to sign this contract with Airbus as part of our continuous efforts to enhance our satellite communications capabilities with the next generation of satellites. This is a significant step in Yahsat's growth trajectory. The Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5 satellites will enable us to provide the UAE Government with new cutting-edge solutions. Additionally, the two new LEO satellite platforms will support Yahsat's future direction of providing multi-orbit satellite solutions to its customers."
Airbus will also provide ground control segment components. Both satellites will have a design life of 15 years and are planned to launch in 2027 and 2028.
Airbus is developing the Thuraya 4 ("T4") satellite to serve Yahsat's UAE government customer and Thuraya's customers. The T4, also based on the Eurostar Neo platform, is set to launch in late 2024 and enter service in 2025.
The development of Airbus' Eurostar Neo platform and flexible payloads has been supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) and national space agencies across Europe.
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Al Yah Satellite Communications Company
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