Airbus to Build Two Secure Communications Satellites for the U.A.E.

U.A.E.’s flagship satellite solutions provider Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC (Yahsat) has contracted Airbus Defence and Space for its new geostationary telecommunications satellites, Al Yah 4 (“AY4”) and Al Yah 5 (“AY5”).

The agreement, unveiled today, follows Yahsat's green light to Airbus in Q2 2023, initiating preliminary activities for the AY4 and AY5 satellite programme. Airbus will design and construct the satellites utilizing the Eurostar Neo platform. Eurostar Neo is a communications satellite suited for all communication missions and compatible with numerous launch vehicles.

The AY4 and AY5 satellites will feature flexible multi-band payloads, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of coverage, capacity, and frequency while in orbit. Positioned strategically, they will cater to secure governmental communications across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Airbus will oversee the entire lifecycle of the AY4 and AY5 satellites, from design to manufacturing, including ground control segment components. With a projected lifespan of 15 years each, the satellites are slated for launch in 2027 and 2028, respectively.

Simultaneously, Airbus is progressing with the development of Thuraya 4 (“T4”), a satellite intended to serve both Yahsat’s U.A.E. government customer and Thuraya’s broader clientele. Like AY4 and AY5, T4 is based on the Eurostar Neo platform, with a scheduled launch in the second half of 2024 and anticipated service commencement in the subsequent year.

The advancement of Airbus’ Eurostar Neo platform and flexible payloads has been supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) and national space agencies across Europe.