Es’hail 1, Qatar’s first satellite, arrives at the launch base in Kourou, French Guiana in preparation for an August 29 launch.
DOHA: Qatar Satellite Company Es’hailSat yesterday announced the arrival of Es’hail 1, the country’s first satellite, at the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, in preparation for an August 29 launch, the company said in a statement.
With the successful launch and operation of the satellite, television viewers in the Mena region, including Qatar, will be able to receive richer, more diversified content without installing a new dish.
Es’hail 1 is undergoing preparations at the European Spaceport for launch aboard an Ariane 5 rocket. Lift-off is planned during a launch window opening at 11.30pm and closing at 12.20am Doha time.
Built by Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, Es’hail 1 is designed to provide television broadcasting, telecommunications and government services in the Middle East and North Africa.
Broadcasting from the premium hot spot neighbourhood of 25.5 degrees East and addressing the growing demand for HDTV, the satellite will provide much needed additional capacity for TV channels.
Weighing almost six tonnes, Es’hail 1 has four steerable spot beam antennas and as many deployable reflectors along with advanced command and telemetry capabilities. It is based on the highly reliable SSL 1300 platform and provides the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. It is designed to operate in orbit for 15 years or more.
On the launch, Es’hailSat’s Chief Executive Officer, Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari, said: “Es’hail is the name of a star which becomes visible in the night sky in this part of the world around the end of August.
“Traditionally, the sighting of Es’hail marks the beginning of most enjoyable weather conditions in the region and we are eagerly awaiting the launch of Es’hail 1 — our new star over Qatar.”
Additional information on the launch on Ariane Flight VA215, can be obtained from www.arianespace.com. The Peninsula
