On arrival, the Y1B satellite will receive additional testing before it is moved to its final launch position. The Y1B is scheduled for launch on an International Launch Services (ILS) Proton Breeze M vehicle in April. Yahsat’s first satellite, Y1A, is currently in geostationary orbit after being launched by Arianespace in April 2011.

   Astrium designed Y1B with a commercial multi-beam Ka-band payload, which will be used to provide a variety of government and commercial applications, including Yahsat’s new satellite broadband service YahClick.

   “The Yahsat team appreciates the hard work of the teams at EADS Astrium and Thales Alenia Space to successfully deliver the construction of Y1B and delivery to the launch site,” Yahsat CEO Tareq Abdul Raheem Al Hosani said in a statement. “The successful launch of Y1B will be a key milestone in the development of Yahsat. It will significantly expand our satellite communication capabilities, which will consequently provide a positive impact on our unique business proposition.”