Space42 Successfully Launches Thuraya 4 Satellite into Orbit
Space42 (ADX: SPACE42), a UAE-based AI-driven SpaceTech leader, has successfully launched its latest telecommunications satellite, Thuraya 4 (T4), into orbit. The milestone launch reinforces Space42's position as a pioneer in geospatial data, AI analytics platforms, and secure connectivity solutions, while advancing the UAE’s SpaceTech leadership on a global scale.
The Thuraya 4 satellite was launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, USA, at 20:26 Eastern Time. Once in space, the satellite deployed its electrical thrusters for Electrical Orbit Raising (EOR). Over the next few months, it will ascend to its designated geostationary orbit at 44° East, approximately 36,000 kilometers above Earth.
Expanding Connectivity Across Key Regions
Thuraya 4 is among the largest Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) communication satellites ever produced. It significantly enhances Space42’s ability to provide secure, high-speed, and wide-coverage connectivity across Africa, Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. This launch also supports Space42’s ambitious roadmap to introduce 15 new products targeting diverse sectors, including defense, government, and enterprise.
Strengthening the UAE’s Space Leadership
His Excellency Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of Space42, lauded the successful launch as a major stride in advancing the UAE’s National Space Strategy 2030. “Thuraya 4’s launch highlights our dedication to innovation and reinforces the UAE's leadership in the SpaceTech sector globally. This milestone not only enhances Space42’s capabilities but also bolsters the nation’s ambitions in space exploration and technology.”
A Leap Forward in Satellite Solutions
Karim Michel Sabbagh, Managing Director of Space42, emphasized the satellite’s impact on the company’s operations. “Thuraya 4 is a cornerstone for our next-generation mobile satellite solutions. It enables us to expand offerings to partners and customers while driving new opportunities for innovation in the SatCom industry.”
Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Yahsat Space Services under Space42, remarked, “The successful deployment of Thuraya 4 strengthens our pursuit of becoming a global leader in non-terrestrial networks. It opens doors to emerging business segments like direct-to-device connectivity and Internet of Things (IoT), diversifying our portfolio and customer reach.”
Cutting-Edge Design by Airbus
Built on Airbus’s advanced Eurostar Neo platform, Thuraya 4 is equipped with a 12-meter antenna operating in L-Band and advanced onboard processing capabilities. This design enables exceptional routing flexibility with up to 3,200 channels and dynamic power allocation across multiple spot beams. Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus, noted, “The Thuraya 4 launch strengthens our long-standing partnership with Space42 and showcases the technological excellence of our Eurostar Neo satellites.”
The successful launch of Thuraya 4 marks a pivotal moment for Space42 and the UAE, propelling their vision of a globally competitive SpaceTech sector.
