The satellite is currently being manufactured by the consortium of EADS Astrium and Thales Alenia Space. The expected launch date is second half 2010.
The letter of intent was signed today between the CEO of Yahsat, Jassem Mohamed Al Zaabi, and the Chairman & CEO of Arianespace, Jean-Yves Le Gall, and coincides with the State visit of French President Nicolas Sarkozy. The letter of intent states that the Yahsat 1A satellite is to be scheduled for a geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) launch in the second half of 2010, from the Guiana Space Center (Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana) by an Ariane 5 launcher.
"Since inception in January 2007, Yahsat has made excellent progress in its plans to launch Abu Dhabi's first satellite in 2010. The manufacturing of Yahsat 1A is well underway and so we're delighted to announce this major development as we edge towards launch," said Jassem Mohamed Al Zaabi, CEO of Yahsat.
"Arianespace has launched more than 250 other satellites so we're confident that we have chosen a world-class partner to help support our mission, which will put Abu Dhabi on the map in the satellite communications industry," he added.
Once in orbit, Yahsat 1A will provide services for both government and commercial customers in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Southwest Asia. Yahsat 1A will be positioned at 52.5 degrees East and will provide innovative solutions for internet links via satellite, business data networks and television transmission services, in particular for high-definition television (HDTV).
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Yahsat signs letter of intent with Arianespace to launch Yahsat's first satellite in 2010
- United Arab Emirates: Tuesday, January 15 - 2008 at 14:22
- PRESS RELEASE
Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PrJsc (Yahsat), a wholly owned subsidiary of Mubadala Development Company, today signed a letter of intent with Arianespace, the world's leading launch Service & Solutions company, to launch the Yahsat 1A communications satellite.
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Notes and media contacts
For more information, please contact:Salma Al Mansouri
PR & Communications Manager
Tel: +9712 406 11 11 Ext 115
Fax: +9712 406 11 00
About Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat)
Yahsat is a satellite communications company initiated and owned by Mubadala Development Company - Abu Dhabi government's strategic investment and development vehicle. The Yahsat satellite will serve commercial and governmental clients in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and South-West Asia. Yahsat will operate as a commercial company to develop, procure, own and operate a hybrid communications satellite.
Yahsat's business concept will offer solutions for internet trunking via satellite, corporate data networks, backhauling services to telecom operators, and the broadcasting services.
Yahsat was incorporated in January 2007.
About Arianespace
Arianespace is the world's leading launch Service & Solutions company, delivering innovative services and solutions to its customers for more than 25 years. Backed by 23 shareholders, and by the European Space Agency, Arianespace offers an unrivalled launcher family, comprising Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega, and an international workforce renowned for their culture of excellence. Arianespace has launched 254 satellites since being founded, including more than 60% of the commercial satellites now in service worldwide. Today, the company has a steady order backlog of more than 20 Ariane 5 missions and nearly 10 Soyuz flights, which represents more than three years of launch activity. www.arianespace.com
Posted by Anne-Birte Stensgaard, Senior News EditorTuesday, January 15 - 2008 at 14:22 UAE local time (GMT+4)
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