The high-performance Ku-band satellite, currently under construction by Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), will operate at the 25.5 degrees East orbital slot to provide coverage and power to follow on from the operator’s Eutelsat 25A  satellite.

   In addition to securing Ku-band continuity for Eutelsat and Ku-band resources for Es’hailSat, the satellite also aims to initiate a Ka-band capability and open business opportunities for both parties.

   “We are delighted that, together with Eutelsat, we have been able to select Arianespace to launch our first satellite. Es’hail 1 is just the start of our mission to provide high quality, independent satellite services to meet Qatar’s national stakeholders interests and serve customers throughout the Middle East and North Africa,” Es’hailSat CEO Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari said in a statement.