Arabsat

Lockheed Martin has secured contract from Arabsat and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), to build two A2100-based communications satellites.

With the two new satellites, Arabsat’s fleet will increase to ten in-orbit operational satellites.

Named Arabsat 6A and Hellas-Sat-4/SaudiGeoSat-1, the satellites will allow Arabsat to expand its services covering television, internet, telephone and secure communications in the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

Arabsat CEO Khalid Balkheyour said: "We selected Lockheed Martin to build these satellites due to the impressive technical capabilities and proven track record of the A2100 satellite."

Lockheed Martin said it will soon begin construction of the satellites in Denver, Colorado, and expects to put them ready for launch in 2018.

Arabsat 6A is planned to be operated from 30.5° E, while Hellas-Sat-4/SaudiGeoSat-1 will be located at 39° E.

"The modernised A2100 satellite platform is ideally suited to their mission of connecting people and societies through reliable telecommunications services."

Lockheed Martin commercial space vice-president and general manager Mike Hamel said: "The modernised A2100 satellite platform is ideally suited to their mission of connecting people and societies through reliable telecommunications services."

The A2100 fleet has so far completed over 450 years of in-orbit operation.

Lockheed Martin, KACST and TAQNIA Space have agreed to explore feasibility of manufacturing satellites in Saudi Arabia.

Lockheed Martin and TAQNIA Space Company will form a joint venture, to develop infrastructure for space capabilities and services in the region, while KACST will be the technology partner to oversee R&D for new innovations.

TAQNIA Space CEO Abdullah Alosaimi said: "We believe this partnership will serve as a platform for commercialisation of innovations in future satellite systems in the Middle East and North Africa region."

Image: The Arabsat 6A and Hellas-Sat-4/SaudiGeoSat-1 satellites will be manufactured in Denver, Colorado. Photo: courtesy of Lockheed Martin Corporation.