A joint programme by the Qatari firms Eutelsat Communications and EshailSat has selected French company Arianespace to launch the Eutelsat 25B1/Eshail 1 satellite, as both firms look to increase their coverage across the North African region
Announced at Washington DC’s Satellite 2012 show, the equipment will be launched in the second quarter of 2013 on board an Ariane 5 launcher.
Arianespace will deliver the high-performance satellite into orbit from where it will operate at 25.5° east, a longstanding orbital position serving expanding markets in North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.
“This mission for 2013 is a new marker in a solid and longstanding relationship, enabling Eutelsat to pursue our objective to renew and expand the resources and quality of service we provide our customers,” said Eutelsat chief executive officer Michel de Rosen.
Es'hailSat chief executive officer Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari commented, “Es’hail 1 is just the start of our mission to provide high quality, independent satellite services to meet the interests of Qatar’s national stakeholders and serve customers throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
“We are delighted that, together with Eutelsat, we have been able to select Arianespace to launch our first satellite,” he added.
Arianespace chairman and chief executive officer Jean-Yves Le Gall said that Arianespace was proud of the relationship the firm had developed with Eutelsat, which has lasted close to 30 years, as well as its new relationship with Es’HailSat.
“Our appreciation also goes to Es'HailSat for selecting Arianespace for its first launch,” remarked Le Gall.
“We are delighted to serve a new operator in this region of the world.”
