Yahsat Selects SpaceX for Launch of Advanced Satellites AY4 and AY5

Strategic Insights -

Yahsat, the UAE's flagship satellite solutions provider, has chosen SpaceX for the launch of its new geostationary satellites Al Yah 4 (AY4) and Al Yah 5 (AY5) using the company's Falcon 9 rocket. This announcement follows the signing of a contract between Yahsat and Airbus to design and build AY4 and AY5 based on the Eurostar Neo platform. The procurement program's full cost is expected to reach approximately AED3.9 billion ($1.1 billion), encompassing spacecraft, ground segment infrastructure, launch, and insurance. The launch is a significant component of the AY4 and AY5 program, which is part of an AED18.7 billion ($5.1 billion) mandate awarded in Q3 2023 by the UAE Government for satellite communications capacity and managed services over 17 years.

Key Takeaways:

  • Yahsat has selected SpaceX for the launch of its advanced satellites Al Yah 4 (AY4) and Al Yah 5 (AY5) using the Falcon 9 rocket, marking a significant partnership between the two companies.
  • The procurement program for AY4 and AY5 is expected to cost approximately AED3.9 billion ($1.1 billion), covering spacecraft, ground segment infrastructure, launch, and insurance.
  • The launch is part of the AED18.7 billion ($5.1 billion) mandate awarded by the UAE Government in Q3 2023 for satellite communications capacity and managed services over 17 years.
  • The AY4 and AY5 satellites will provide secure governmental communications across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, eventually replacing the older Al Yah 1 and Al Yah 2 satellites launched in 2011 and 2012.
  • The successful completion of these contracts with SpaceX and Airbus positions Yahsat to finalize the anchor customer agreement with the UAE Government, securing its largest mandate in history.
  • The agreement between Yahsat and SpaceX will utilize the flight-proven Falcon 9 rocket, demonstrating the companies' commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Statistics:

  • The procurement program's full cost is expected to reach approximately AED3.9 billion ($1.1 billion).
  • The AY4 and AY5 program is part of a larger AED18.7 billion ($5.1 billion) mandate awarded by the UAE Government in Q3 2023.
  • The AY4 and AY5 satellites will provide satellite communications capacity and managed services over 17 years.

Sources:

  • Yahsat
  • Airbus
  • SpaceX