Abu Dhabi’s Space42 (ADX: SPACE42), an AI-driven SpaceTech firm based in the UAE with a worldwide presence, has launched its Thuraya 4 (T4) telecommunications satellite into orbit. This launch marks a crucial milestone in Space42’s evolution as a provider of high-quality geospatial data, geospatial analytics AI platforms and services, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), and secure connectivity solutions.
Launch details and operational plans
The satellite was propelled into space on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, U.S., at 20:23 Eastern Time. After its deployment, Thuraya 4 activated its onboard electrical thrusters for Electrical Orbit Raising (EOR), a process that will unfold over several months until the satellite achieves its operational geostationary orbit at 44° East, situated approximately 36,000 kilometers above Earth.
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Enhancements in telecommunications capabilities
Thuraya 4, a next-generation mobile telecommunications system, greatly enhances Space42’s capabilities. As one of the largest MSS communication satellites ever made, it aligns with the company’s strategy to introduce more than 15 new products to accommodate the rapid increase in use cases across various sectors, including defense, government, and enterprise. Space42’s sixth geostationary (GEO) satellite will deliver improved security, faster speeds, and broader coverage across Africa, Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
Foundation for future capabilities
Karim Michel Sabbagh, managing director of Space42, stated: “The launch of Thuraya 4 marks a significant milestone in Space42’s journey. It lays the foundation for our next-generation mobile satellite solutions capabilities, expanding our offering to our partners and customers and creating new avenues for innovation. The launch reinforces Space42’s leadership position in the global SatCom industry and further advances the UAE’s ambitious space strategy.”
Monumental step forward
Additionally, Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Yahsat Space Services, Space42, remarked: “Launching Thuraya 4 is a monumental step forward for Space42, continuing a legacy built upon disruptive technology, innovation, and connectivity. We are proud of today’s accomplishment as we pursue one of our core strategic pillars to become a global non-terrestrial networks leader, venture into emerging business segments, including direct-to-device and Internet of Things, and diversify our offerings to customers across the globe.”
Leveraging advanced technology
Moreover, Alain Fauré, head of Space Systems at Airbus, commented: “We open a new chapter in the story of Airbus and Space42: Thuraya 4 satellite successfully launched into space! After being transported from our cleanrooms in France to its launch site in Florida onboard our own Airbus Beluga, the latest telecommunications satellite is now ready to provide increased flexibility for our customer Space42’s communications satellite fleet. Leveraging the state-of-the-art all-electric Airbus Eurostar Neo platform, the Thuraya 4 launch represents a major milestone and reinforces our longstanding partnership with Space42, stretching back more than 10 years. Along with our partners at the European Space Agency, CNES, and UKSA, the Eurostar Neo family of Airbus telecommunications satellites continues to deliver.”
Technical specifications and routing flexibility
Furthermore, Thuraya operates as the satellite mobility division under Space42’s Yahsat Space Services. Also, powered by the advanced Airbus Eurostar Neo platform, Thuraya 4 is equipped with a 12-meter antenna functioning in L-Band and features a payload with sophisticated onboard processing. These capabilities enable unmatched routing flexibility of up to 3,200 channels with dynamic power distribution across multiple spot beams.
In addition, the successful deployment of Thuraya 4 highlights the UAE’s dedication to advancing its SpaceTech sector on a global scale, in alignment with the National Space Strategy 2030.
