SpaceX Will Launch The United Arab Emirates Government-Owned Satellite

Yahsat chose SpaceX as a satellite launcher (photo: dock. Airbus)

JAKARTA Yahsat, the satellite operator founded by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government, chose SpaceX as its newest geostationary satellite launcher. The two satellites are Al Yah 4 (AY4) and Al Yah 5 (AY5). Each of these satellites will be launched in 2027 and 2028 using Falcon 9 rockets. It is hoped that AY4 and AY5 will replace the older Yahsat satellites, namely AY1 and AY2. The two satellites were launched in 2011 and 2012. Yahsat Group CEO Ali Al Hasemi said that they not only entered into contracts with SpaceX, but also Airbus as design designers from AY4 and AY5. By selecting these two companies, Yahsat believes that his satellite project will run well. "Through successful launch contract completion with SpaceX and recently announced design and manufacturing contracts with Airbus, Yahsat is in the right position to pursue a final contract with the UAE Government," Ali said.

Yahsat did not explain the reason they chose SpaceX, a California-based company, to launch AY4 and AY5. It seems that Yahsat deliberately chose SpaceX, especially Falcon 9, because the rocket has been tested for its flight. AY4 and AY5 are part of a major program provided by the government in September last year. With a deal of 5.1 billion US dollars (Rp83 trillion), Yahsat will provide satellite communications and managed services for 17 years. From the agreed funds, the UAE government has only provided an advance fee of 1.1 billion US dollars (Rp18 trillion). This fund will be used by Yahsat to develop satellites, land segment infrastructure, satellite launch, and launch insurance.