Yahsat, based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and one of the primary regional operators in the Middle-East, is ordering a new satellite from Airbus DS The satellite, to be known as THURAYA 4-NGS, will be utilised by its mobile communications subsidiary, Thuraya. THURAYA 4-NGS will be used to provide a continuation of Thuraya’s L-band MSS product. It is to be based on the Airbus Eurostar Neo bus, and will utilise all-electric propulsion.
Yahsat anticipates that THURAYA 4-NGS will be in service by 2024. This will ensure that there is capacity in orbit to replace the older THURAYA 2 satellite, which will be 21 years old by then.
Corporate logo of Yahsat, majority owner and controller of Thuraya. Courtesy of Yahsat
Yahsat has reported that it will be spending US$500 million to upgrade the Thuraya MSS offering. The cost of this new satellite is included in the figure. The company however, expects to spend more money in the coming years. If so, it will likely be centred around exercising an option in its Airbus contract for a further, identical, THURAYA 5-NGS unit.
