Qatari satellite operator Es’hailSat has issued an RfP for the design and manufacture of the company’s second satellite, Es’hail-2. Proposals for the spacecraft are due no later than 30 April 2014.
The announcement comes just weeks after…
Qatari satellite operator Es’hailSat has issued an RfP for the design and manufacture of the company’s second satellite, Es’hail-2. Proposals for the spacecraft are due no later than 30 April 2014.
The announcement comes just weeks after Es’hailSat hired insurance broker Willis to provide it with advice on the risk management and technical requirements of the new satellite.
Located at 26E, Es’hail-2 will carry both Ku and Ka-band transponders and predominantly be used for DTH broadcasting across the Middle East and North Africa. It is expected to be launched at the end of 2016.
Es’hailSat added that the new satellite will also provide the first Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) geostationary communication capability that links Brazil to India in one single hop and in real-time. It will allow also the AMSAT community to validate and demonstrate their DVB standard.
Commenting on the RfP, Ali Al Kuwari, chief executive officer of Es’hailSat, said: “With the success of our first satellite – Es’hail-1 – we are delighted to move forward with our satellite procurement program. Es’hail-2 demonstrates both our commitment to providing premium satellite capacity for broadcasters in the MENA region and to building a sustainable satellite industry for the State of Qatar”.
Es’hailSat was established in 2010 by ictQatar, the country’s independent telecommunications regulator and state-run technology advocate and facilitator. The Es’hail-1 programme was a joint venture between ictQatar and satellite operator Eutelsat with the former owning 54% of the new satellite.
Es’hail-1, which is also called Eutelsat-25B, was successfully launched by Arianespace in August 2013. The 6.3 ton satellite was built by Space Systems Loral, contains 32 Ku- and 14 Ka-band transponders and is located at 25.5E.
In August 2013, Es’hailSat reached a spectrum-sharing accord with Saudi Arabia-based rival Arabsat that clears the use of the 26E orbital slot.
Willis has been appointed to offer exclusive risk management consultancy and insurance brokerage services for Es’hail-2.
