Airbus Delivers Space42’s Thuraya 4 Satellite to Launch Site
Space42’s Thuraya 4 telecommunications satellite, developed by Airbus, has successfully arrived at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This state-of-the-art geostationary satellite, transported from Toulouse, France, aboard an Airbus BelugaST, is set for launch on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket in December 2024.
Thuraya 4 is designed to revolutionize telecommunications with enhanced coverage across Europe, Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East. The satellite forms a cornerstone of Space42's next-generation mobility solutions, showcasing the UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company's commitment to innovation and global connectivity.
Key Features and Capabilities
- Advanced Technology: Thuraya 4 is built on Airbus’ Eurostar Neo platform, featuring cutting-edge all-electric propulsion and a 12-meter antenna operating in L-band.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Its processed payload technology enables the routing of up to 3,200 channels with dynamic power allocation across a wide network of spot beams.
- Diverse Applications: The satellite supports industries such as defense, government, and enterprise by providing high-speed, secure, and flexible communication services.
- New Offerings: Upon becoming operational, Thuraya 4 will introduce over 15 innovative products and services to Space42’s portfolio.
Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Yahsat Space Services and Space42, emphasized the satellite’s role in driving future mobility solutions:
“Thuraya 4 demonstrates our commitment to advanced SpaceTech and AI-powered services for our global clientele. This milestone represents a leap in innovation, enabling Space42 to deliver superior capabilities and expand our service offerings significantly.”
Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus Defence and Space, added:
“The delivery of Thuraya 4 underscores our enduring partnership with Space42. Featuring Airbus’ latest payload technology, this satellite offers unmatched flexibility and adaptability for land, sea, and air connectivity.”
Development Journey
Thuraya 4 was commissioned in 2020 by Yahsat, prior to its integration into Space42. The satellite's construction involved the collaboration of the European Space Agency (ESA), the Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES), and the UK Space Agency (UKSA), showcasing international cooperation in advancing telecommunications technology.
The Airbus BelugaST’s journey to the United States involved stopovers in the Azores and Nova Scotia, marking the safe transportation of one of the largest MSS communication satellites ever produced.
With Thuraya 4’s launch on the horizon, Space42 is poised to redefine the telecommunications landscape, strengthening its global presence and solidifying its role as a leader in SpaceTech innovation.
