Thales Alenia Space has won a major new software-defined satellite order from Es’hailSat, one of the biggest satellite operators in the Middle East. The satellite called, Eshail-3/Türksat-Biruni, will offer high-speed broadband connectivity services across Europe, Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East, and will be shared with Turkish satellite operator Türksat. Thales Alenia Space announced the contract on June 30.
Eshail-3/Türksat-Biruni will rely on Space Inspire, the Thales fully software-defined satellite platform, which is designed to offer instant in-orbit adjustment to broadband connectivity demands. As prime contractor, Thales Alenia Space is responsible for the design, manufacturing, testing, and on-ground delivery of the satellite, as well as for the ground segment and associated services.
The contract announcement did not specify a target launch date for the satellite.
The satellite will provide expanded coverage across the Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, Central Asia and surrounding maritime regions, supporting a wide range of applications including broadcast, telecom, government services, mobility, maritime, enterprise VSAT, and remote connectivity. Es’hail-3/Türksat-Biruni will significantly enhance service continuity, capacity, and resilience for Es’hailSat’s customers, by enabling sovereign and secure satellite communications infrastructure.
“The signing of this contract with Thales Alenia Space marks a defining moment for Es’hailSat and for Qatar’s ambitions as a leading satellite service provider. Es’hail-3/Türksat-Biruni will not only expand our coverage and capabilities into new strategic markets, but also strengthen the resilience and independence of Qatar’s communications infrastructure. We look forward to working closely with our industrial partner, Thales Alenia Space, to deliver high-performing communications services to our customers,” Ali Al-Kuwari, president and CEO of Es’hailSat, said in a statement.
