It is anticipated that the two satellites will cost Dh3.9 billion in total to acquire. In order to “offer secure governmental communications across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia,” the Abu Dhabi-based Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC (Yahsat) will launch two new satellites in 2027 and 2028.
The two satellites, Al Yah 4 (to be launched in 2027) and Al Yah 5 (to be launched in 2028), “will have a design life of 15 years,” although the final launch dates have not yet been confirmed. They will supplant Al Yah 1 and Al Yah 2 that were separately sent off in 2011 and 2012,” said Ali Al Hashemi, President of Yahsat bunch. “Our strategy to further enhance our capabilities in space-based communications includes the new satellites.”
According to him, they will make it possible for Yahsat to offer the UAE government cutting-edge satellite communications solutions. Al Hashemi added that European global aviation partnership Airbus will plan and fabricate the AY4 and AY5 satellites in light of the Eurostar Neo stage (customisable satellite stage) for a large number of missions, with each having adaptable payloads.
“The adaptable multi-band payloads can be completely reconfigured while in circle, fit for changing the inclusion region, limit and recurrence ‘on the fly’ (while in circle) to meet developing mission necessities,” he added.
The full acquisition cost of AY4 and AY5 is supposed to arrive at Dh3.9 billion, including the satellites, ground foundation, send off, and protection. “Yahsat will at first asset the program utilizing its own assets before the receipt of Dh3.7 billion through a settlement ahead of time from the UAE government,” noted Al Hashemi.
In the meantime, Airbus previously announced the development of the Thuraya 4 satellite (referred to as “T4”) for Yahsat’s government and commercial satellite solutions. T4 is additionally founded on the Eurostar Neo stage and is expected to be sent off in the last part of 2024 and enter administration in the last part of 2025.
