Yahsat’s First Satellite Arrives Successfully at Launch Site

A moment of pride for the UAE as Abu Dhabi’s first satellite nears launch

Abu Dhabi, 17 February 2011: Satellite Y1A, the first satellite of Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PrJsc (Yahsat), has arrived at The European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Y1A, which will be the first satellite owned and operated by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, arrived according to schedule for the satellite’s Q1 launch.

Y1A was air-freighted using the biggest aircraft in the world (Antonov) from the EADS Astrium construction facility in Toulouse, France on February 15th and is now in the hands of Arianespace, the world’s leading launch service and solutions company. Over the coming weeks, the satellite will be loaded atop the Ariane 5 rocket which will launch the satellite into space and position it in orbit with full visibility for operations from Abu Dhabi’s geographic location. The satellite will have an expansive coverage footprint across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and South-West Asia. Once launched, Y1A will have a projected lifespan of 15 years and will deliver a range of commercial and government satellite service offerings.

Yahsat is wholly owned by Mubadala Development Company, the Abu Dhabi Government’s strategic investment company. The focus on delivering advanced technology services is an important part of The Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and a significant step in the Emirate’s plans for economic diversification and development.

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