Airbus To Construct Al Yah 4 And Al Yah 5 Satellites
Following Order From Yahsat
UAE-based satellite solutions provider Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) has contracted Airbus Defence and Space to construct Al Yah 4 (AY4) and Al Yah 5 (AY5), the Emirati company’s latest geostationary telecommunications satellites.
The collaboration will see Airbus designing and building the AY4 and AY5 satellites, which are set to revolutionize the satellite industry. Based on the Eurostar Neo platform, these satellites boast unique, feature-fully flexible, software-defined payloads. This cutting-edge technology allows in-orbit reconfiguring of coverage area, capacity, and communication frequencies, setting a new standard in satellite design.
This adaptability ensures optimal performance in evolving mission scenarios, catering to the dynamic needs of telecommunications across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Under the contract, Airbus will oversee both satellites’ design, manufacturing, and ground control segment components, ensuring a design life of 15 years for each. The AY4 and AY5 satellites are scheduled for launch in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
The AY4 and AY5 satellites will be pillars for secure governmental communications over a vast geographical expanse. They are slated to replace the current Al Yah 1 and Al Yah 2 satellites, offering enhanced capabilities and reliability.
Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus, underscored the partnership’s strategic importance. He said, “Today is a significant milestone with Yahsat selecting our pioneering fully flexible satellite technology, a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in the industry.”
He also stressed the 16-year relationship between Airbus and Yahsat and highlighted the progression toward more advanced solutions.
Ali Al Hashemi, Group CEO of Yahsat, reiterated the contract’s strategic importance in the company’s growth trajectory. He emphasized the pivotal role of the AY4 and AY5 satellites in providing cutting-edge solutions to the Emirati government and supporting Yahsat’s vision of multi-orbit satellite solutions, which aims to transform the way we communicate and connect globally.
The collaboration between Yahsat and Airbus represents a testament to the advancement of satellite technology and its pivotal role in shaping the future of telecommunications worldwide.
Yahsat is a public company listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and a Mubadala Investment Company subsidiary.
With five satellites covering over 80% of the world’s population, Yahsat offers multi-mission satellite solutions across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America, Asia, and Australasia.
Its portfolio includes broadband, broadcasting, backhauling, and mobility solutions catering to global consumers, governments, and enterprises. Yahsat’s commitment to innovation is evident in its ongoing projects, including constructing Thuraya 4 and developing Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5 satellites.
Featured image: CGI of the Al Yah 4 (AY4) and Al Yah 5 (AY5) satellites in space. Credit: Airbus
