Space42’s Thuraya 4 satellite launches into orbit from Florida
Expanding global connectivity
Space42, an Abu Dhabi-based spacetech company, has launched its Thuraya 4 (T4) telecommunications satellite into orbit. Built by Airbus, the satellite was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, on January 3, 2025.
Upon deployment, the satellite activated its electrical thrusters for the Electrical Orbit Raising (EOR) process. It will take several months to reach its designated geostationary orbit at 44° East, approximately 36,000km above Earth. The launch underscores Space42’s influence in geospatial data, geospatial analytics AI, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), and secure connectivity solutions in the Middle East region.
Thuraya 4, one of the largest Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) communication satellites ever produced, expands Space42’s ability to offer secure, high-speed connectivity. As Space42’s sixth geostationary satellite, Thuraya 4 is poised to provide enhanced security, faster data speeds, and broader coverage across regions including Africa, Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
The launch is part of the company’s strategy to introduce more than 15 new products tailored to rapidly evolving sectors like defence, government, and enterprise.
The Airbus Eurostar Neo platform powers the Thuraya 4 satellite. It features a 12-metre L-band antenna and a payload capable of routing up to 3,200 channels with dynamic power allocation across multiple spot beams.
Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of Space42, said: “The launch of Thuraya 4 is a clear testament to our commitment to pushing innovation boundaries. It strengthens the UAE’s leadership in the global SpaceTech sector and advances our role in the UAE’s National Space Strategy 2030.”
Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus, stated: “This launch marks a new chapter in our partnership with Space42, reinforcing our shared vision for next-generation satellite communications.”
Image: Space42’s Thuraya 4 telecommunications satellite, built by Airbus, reached its destination at the Kennedy Space Centre, Florida, on December 10, 2024. The satellite was shipped from Toulouse, France, onboard an Airbus BelugaST. Credit: Airbus
