Yahsat picks Spanish company to provide spacecraft control system for Thuraya 4-NGS

By Arya M Nair, Official Reporter
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Yahsat
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Yahsat, Abu Dhabi’s Satellite Communications Company owned by Mubadala, has selected a Spanish group, GMV, to supply the Spacecraft Control & Flight Dynamics Systems for Thuraya 4-NGS, a next-generation L-band mobile communications satellite system.

GMV’s best-in-class solutions will provide Yahsat’s Thuraya 4-NGS, which is set to launch in 2024, with an advanced multi-mission, multi-satellite Spacecraft Control System and Flight Dynamics System for enhanced capacity, reliability, flexibility, and user-friendliness.

The Spacecraft Control System will provide easy-to-use yet powerful tools to ensure secure and reliable control of the satellite throughout its operating lifecycle.

The Flight Dynamics System will help Yahsat in enhancing performance and maximizing the lifetime of Thuraya 4-NGS, directly improving the company’s longer-term Capital expenditures (CapEx) efficiency. GMV will also be in charge of the control center’s deployment and integration, as well as system maintenance and operator training.

Adnan Al Muhairi
Adnan Al Muhairi
CTO – Yahsat

“Today’s announcement marks an important step in the ongoing development of Thuraya 4-NGS, Yahsat’s next-generation satellite. Following the successful completion of a Preliminary Design Review in June this year, the construction of the satellite is on schedule. It is expected to launch in the second half of 2023, with operations commencing in 2024.”

The partnership is another significant step for Yahsat as it continues to roll out its unique L-band next-generation system, which is an integral part of the company’s expansion plan and commitment to providing secure and reliable mobile satellite communication to users around the world.

Land, Maritime, and Aero customers, across multiple customer segments, including government, consumer and enterprise, will benefit from higher and constant data speeds above 1 Mbps, giving a better experience and service overall through Thuraya 4-NGS.

Related: Mubadala-backed satellite launching firm Virgin Orbit to go public via SPAC merger

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