Space42, a UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company, has launched its Thuraya 4 (T4) telecommunications satellite into orbit. The satellite was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Following deployment, Thuraya 4 initiated its Electrical Orbit Raising (EOR) process, which will gradually position it in its operational geostationary orbit at 44 degrees East, approximately 36,000 kilometres above Earth. According to the company, this transition is expected to take several months.
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Thuraya 4 and Its Capabilities
The Thuraya 4 satellite significantly expands Space42’s capabilities, the company said in a statement on January 4, 2025. Powered by the Airbus Eurostar Neo platform, it is equipped with a 12-meter L-Band antenna and a payload featuring onboard processing that allows dynamic power allocation across multiple spot beams and routing for up to 3,200 communication channels.
Expanding Coverage
Once operational, Thuraya 4 will provide enhanced security, faster connectivity, and expanded coverage across Africa, Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Its advanced features will also enable Space42 to better serve key sectors such as defence, government, and enterprise, according to the company.
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Supporting Future Innovations
As Space42’s sixth geostationary (GEO) satellite, Thuraya 4 not only expands the company’s current capabilities but also supports its plans to launch over 15 new products to cater to the growth in use cases across various sectors. Thuraya is the satellite mobility arm under Space42’s Yahsat Space Services.
The Managing Director of Space42, said: “The launch of Thuraya 4 lays the foundation for our next-generation mobile satellite solutions capabilities, expanding our offering to our partners and customers and creating new avenues for innovation.”
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The CEO of Yahsat Space Services, Space42, added: “We are proud of today’s accomplishment as we pursue one of our core strategic pillars to become a global non-terrestrial networks leader, venture into emerging business segments, including direct-to-device and Internet of Things, and diversify our offerings to customers across the globe.”
