Thales Alenia Space, the joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has announced the signing of a contract with Es’hailSat, the Qatar Satellite Company, to develop a new generation software-defined satellite based on the Space INSPIRE platform by Thales Alenia Space.
Named Eshail-3/Türksat-Biruni, this satellite will offer high-speed broadband connectivity services across Europe, Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East, shared with Turkish satellite operator Türksat.
Eshail-3/Türksat-Biruni will rely on Space INSPIRE, a highly flexible and fully software-defined solution offering instant in-orbit adjustment to broadband connectivity demands while optimizing the use of satellite resources. Es’hailSat will leverage the satellite’s flexibility to offer enhanced communications services throughout its lifespan in orbit.
As prime contractor, Thales Alenia Space is responsible for the design, manufacturing, testing, and on-ground delivery of the satellite, as well as for the ground segment and associated services.
Ali Ahmed Al-Kuwari, President and CEO of Es’hailSat, stated:
“The signing of this contract with Thales Alenia Space marks a defining moment for Es’hailSat and for Qatar’s ambitions as a leading satellite service provider. Eshail-3/Türksat-Biruni will not only expand our coverage and capabilities into new strategic markets but also strengthen the resilience and independence of Qatar’s communications infrastructure. We look forward to working closely with our industrial partner, Thales Alenia Space, to deliver high-performing communications services to our customers.”
Hervé Derrey, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space, added:
“I would like to express my gratitude to Es’hailSat for putting its trust in our company. Today’s contract is significant for Thales Alenia Space as it recognizes our ability to offer an innovative, fully digitalized telecommunications satellite that can be reprogrammed in orbit, along with the capability to integrate hosted payloads serving both commercial and governmental requirements.”
