Yahsat Teams Up With SpaceX For Launch Of Al Yah 4 And Al Yah 5 Satellites

Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) has chosen SpaceX to launch its new geostationary satellites, Al Yah 4 (AY4) and Al Yah 5 (AY5), using the Falcon 9 rocket. This agreement is a crucial part of the AY4 and AY5 procurement programme, which is estimated to cost around AED3.9 billion (US$1.1 billion). The cost includes spacecraft, ground infrastructure, launch, and insurance.

This announcement follows a contract between Yahsat and Airbus to design and build AY4 and AY5 based on the Eurostar Neo platform. This contract is part of an AED18.7 billion (US$5.1 billion) mandate awarded to Yahsat by the UAE Government in Q3 2023. The mandate covers satellite communications capacity and managed services for 17 years, mainly using AY4 and AY5.

Ali Al Hashemi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Yahsat, stated, "We are proud to collaborate with SpaceX on the upcoming Falcon 9 launches of our AI Yah 4 and AI Yah 5 satellites. Through the successful completion of the launch contracts with SpaceX and the recently announced design and manufacturing contract with Airbus, Yahsat is well placed to pursue the final contract with the UAE Government, the anchor customer of the Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5 programme, as part of its largest ever mandate received in its history from the UAE Government."

The new satellites will offer secure governmental communications over a broad area that includes the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. They are expected to replace older satellites Al Yah 1 and Al Yah 2, launched in 2011 and 2012 respectively.

The collaboration with SpaceX for launching these satellites marks a significant step for Yahsat in fulfilling its commitments under its largest mandate from the UAE Government. The partnership with Airbus ensures that AY4 and AY5 will be built using advanced technology platforms.

Yahsat's strategic moves aim to enhance their satellite communications capabilities significantly. This will ensure reliable service delivery across multiple regions for years to come.

The total investment in this project highlights its importance for both Yahsat and its governmental clients. It underscores their commitment to maintaining robust satellite communication infrastructure.

With these developments, Yahsat continues to strengthen its position as a key player in satellite communications within the region.

With inputs from WAM