Abu Dhabi: Yahsat, a UAE-based satellite communications company, said it had successfully launched its first satellite into orbit Saturday. The launch puts the UAE among a select group of nations that have done so.
"Yahsat's Y1A was successfully launched from the European Space Centre in Kourou, French Guyana. The Ariane 5 rocket carrying the spacecraft lifted off at 1.37am Abu Dhabi time," Yahsat said in a statement.
Speaking to Gulf News from French Guyana, Jasem Mohammad Al Za'abi, chief executive officer of Yahsat said: "Technically, everything has gone great. The launch was on time. The satellite will reach the right orbit within the next nine days.
"Then we will start doing the testing to determine whether the satellite is fully functional. The testing will be done over six to eight weeks."
"The satellite will be there for 15 years. It will transmit data and voice to more than 80 countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Africa," said Al Za'abi.
Expanding requirements
Yahsat is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mubadala Development Company, the Abu Dhabi-based investment and development company.
Yahsat has commissioned two satellites to create regionally-focused capacity to manage the expanding requirements for government, commercial and consumer satellite communication services.
"Our next satellite should go by the end of this year, or early next year," Al Za'abi added.
In the statement, Al Za'abi said the satellite's successful launch was the direct result of the unwavering vision, dedication and hard work of the UAE leadership, Mubadala, the UAE Armed Forces and the entire Yahsat team.
"As a result of this work, we have not only stepped into space, but taken a significant stride in driving economic diversification and progress with our partners across the UAE."
Waleed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi, chairman of Yahsat and chief operating officer of Mubadala development company, said in the statement: "The launch of Y1A is hugely important for Mubadala and Abu Dhabi.
Satellite communications are an integral component in establishing the world-class information and communication infrastructure that will support the continued economic diversification of the emirate.
The successful launch of Y1A is a tremendous step forward in delivering an advanced technology and communications offering based here in Abu Dhabi."
Above UAE
Over the next few days, Y1A will undertake a series of manoeuvres before arriving at its final point of operation, 52.5 degrees east, above the UAE.
After arriving in position, control of the satellite will be managed by a team of UAE-national satellite engineers located in the Yahsat control station in Al Falah, Abu Dhabi, said Yahsat.
Yahsat provides multi-purpose satellite communications services to commercial and governmental clients in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and South-West Asia.
With a wide portfolio of voice, data, video and internet connectivity solutions, Yahsat satellites are designed based on market requirements and future applications.
Series of manoeuvres
Over the next few days, Y1A will undertake a series of manoeuvres before arriving at its final point of operation, 52.5 degrees east, above the UAE. After arriving in position, control of the satellite will be managed by a team of UAE-national satellite engineers based out of the Yahsat control station in Al Falah, Abu Dhabi.
Yahsat is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mubadala Development Company, the Abu Dhabi-based investment and development company. Yahsat has commissioned two satellites to create regionally-focused capacity to manage the expanding requirements for government, commercial and consumer satellite communication services.
Originally scheduled for liftoff on March 30, this dual-payload mission was delayed following an interruption of the final countdown when an incorrect displacement of one of the engine's actuators was detected, Arianespace said in a statement. The launching center planned to have six liftoffs of Ariane 5 through this year.
