The UAE’s Space42 (ADX: SPACE42), a leading AI-powered SpaceTech company, has successfully launched its Thuraya 4 (T4) telecommunications satellite into orbit.
This marks a key milestone in Space42’s journey as a provider of premium geospatial data, geospatial analytics AI platforms and services, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), and secure connectivity solutions. The launch highlights the UAE’s commitment to advancing its SpaceTech sector globally, in line with the National Space Strategy 2030.
The satellite was launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, USA. Following the deployment of Thuraya 4, the satellite ignited its built-in electrical thrusters for Electrical Orbit Raising (EOR). Thuraya 4’s journey to its operational geostationary orbit at 44° East, roughly 36,000 kilometers above Earth, takes several months.
Thuraya 4, the latest mobile telecommunications system, ushers a new era of innovation with this landmark launch. As one of the largest MSS communication satellites produced, it complements the company’s plans to launch over 15 new products to cater to the rapid growth in use cases across various sectors, including defense, government and enterprise.
Space42’s sixth geostationary (GEO) satellite will offer enhanced security, increased speeds and expanded coverage across Africa, Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East.
His Excellency Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman – Space42
“The successful launch of Space42’s next generation mobility satellite, Thuraya 4, is a clear testament to our commitment to push the innovation boundaries and actively participate in strengthening the UAE’s leadership in the SpaceTech sector globally. This key milestone in Space42’s journey not only propels its capabilities to reshape the future of connectivity but also and further advances the UAE’s ambitious National Space Strategy 2030.”
Karim Michel Sabbagh, Managing Director, Space42, stated that, “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.”
Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Yahsat Space Services, Space42, said that, “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.”
Thuraya, the satellite mobility arm under Space42’s Yahsat Space Services, is powered by the cutting-edge Airbus Eurostar Neo platform. It features a 12-meter antenna operating in L-Band and a payload equipped with advanced onboard processing.
“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,” added Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus.
