Satellite and Broadcasting

The UAE has officially become the first Arab nation and the fifth in the world to reach Mars after the Hope Probe successfully entered the Red Planet’s orbit at 7.42pm on Tuesday.

Head of the Egyptian Space Agency, Mohammed El-Qousi said that Egypt is set to launch a satellite in December 2021, in addition to other projects to establish space science in the country.

Hope Probe, UAE’s debut mission to the red planet, is now in its most critical stage as the spacecraft is set to enter Mars orbit on February 9, 2021, Tuesday, at 7.42 PM UAE time.

SES Networks and Tototheo Maritime, a leading Cyprus-based maritime communications company signed a five-year agreement that will have SES Networks’ Skala Global Platform deliver seamless, reliable data connectivity services to the maritime communications company.

The ship management division of Saudi Arabian national carrier Bahri has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Alpha Ori Technologies (AOT). The deal also includes  the installation of AOT’s patented SMARTShip digital platform across a substantial part of the Bahri fleet.

IEC Telecom and Thuraya introduced Orion Edge V (“V” for virtual), a state-of-the-art satcom system which offers an affordable VSAT-like experience over compact hardware. Digitalisation, previously reserved for large vessels, is now available for smaller crafts.

General Atomics has announced the acquisition of Tiger Innovations, a Herndon, Virginia small business focused primarily on satellite systems, and related hardware and software.

Intelsat today completed its acquisition of the Commercial Aviation business of Gogo, creating the world’s leading provider of inflight broadband connectivity to the commercial aviation industry.

Telemedia, broadcasting and teleport service provider in South Africa has partnered with ABS, a global satellite operator, to provide teleport services for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.

Yahsat has established a Programme Management Office (PMO) for Thuraya 4-NGS, its new L-band satellite being built by Airbus. Thuraya 4-NGS, announced in August this year, is part of a US$ 500 million programme that will transform Thuraya’s space and ground systems and enable its next generation products and solutions portfolio.