Cape Canaveral, Florida: Space42 (ADX: SPACE42), a UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company with a global presence, has successfully launched its Thuraya 4 (T4) telecommunications satellite, marking a significant milestone in its mission to deliver premium geospatial analytics, secure connectivity solutions, and non-terrestrial network (NTN) services.
The satellite was launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, USA, at 20:23 Eastern Time.
After deployment, Thuraya 4 began its Electrical Orbit Raising (EOR) process using built-in electric thrusters to reach its operational geostationary orbit at 44° East, approximately 36,000 kilometers above Earth.
This multi-month process sets the stage for its advanced telecommunications capabilities.
Thuraya 4, one of the largest Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) communication satellites, expands Space42’s service offerings, providing enhanced security, faster connectivity, and wider coverage across Africa, Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
This sixth geostationary satellite supports Space42’s plan to introduce over 15 new products catering to sectors like defense, government, and enterprise.
Falcon 9 launches @Space42ai’s Thuraya 4 to orbit, completing our first mission of the year! pic.twitter.com/ekVQR6605M
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 4, 2025
Karim Michel Sabbagh, Managing Director of Space42, emphasized the strategic importance of this launch abd stated that, “Thuraya 4 marks a pivotal moment in our journey, enabling next-generation mobile satellite solutions, fostering innovation, and strengthening our leadership in the SatCom industry while advancing the UAE’s ambitious space strategy.”
Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Yahsat Space Services, added that, “This milestone reflects our commitment to becoming a global leader in non-terrestrial networks, exploring new business segments like direct-to-device and IoT, and expanding our offerings worldwide.”
Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus, celebrated the collaboration, and highlighted that, “The Thuraya 4 satellite, based on the state-of-the-art Airbus Eurostar Neo platform, underscores a decade-long partnership between Airbus and Space42. This launch showcases our shared vision for innovation and flexibility in satellite communications.”
Thuraya 4 features a 12-meter L-Band antenna and advanced onboard processing, enabling up to 3,200 channels with dynamic power allocation across multiple spot beams. This cutting-edge technology ensures unparalleled routing flexibility and reliability.
The successful launch aligns with the UAE’s National Space Strategy 2030, reinforcing the nation’s position as a global SpaceTech hub.
Thuraya 4 represents a leap forward in secure, high-speed, and extensive satellite connectivity, driving innovation and bolstering the UAE’s prominence in the space sector.