Home >> News: March 17th, 2014 >> Story
Satnews Daily
March 17th, 2014

Arabasat—Four To Be Built (Satellites—RFP)


[SatNews] Arab  Satellite Communication Organization—Arabsat—has announced the release of a Request for Proposal (RFP)  for the procurement of four new satellites to be designated HS3, HS4, AR6E and AR6A.

The new satellites will be positioned at three different orbital locations with a vast coverage over Middle-Eastern, African, Asian and European markets with high power DTH payload in Ku-bands and Ka spot beams capacities. Arabsat CEO Khalid Balkhyour said, “The RFP for Arabsat’s 6th generation satellites reflects the company’s views on the exciting growth opportunities ahead of us and our commitment to capitalize on these opportunities.”

The two new HS3 and HS4 satellites will be favorable to the replacement of Hellas-Sat’s current HS2 at 39 degrees East orbital slot, with additional capacities in Ku- and Ka-bands payload brought to customers. HS4 will, additionally, provide Arabsat with prime Ku-band capacity over Europe and the Mediterranean, which will complement the existing in-orbit capacity. The current Hellas-Sat 2 covers Eastern Europe, part of the Middle East and South Africa.

ARB6E and ARB6A will have payload capacities in the Ku- and Ka bands. They will be dedicated to support the growth of Arabsat’s business and provide in-orbit backup capacity to its customers. They will also serve the increase in demand for satellite capacities and services over the Middle-east, Africa and Asia.

All four satellites are set to launch in 2016 and 2017 timeframe.

Proposals are due no later than May 1st 2014, and it is Arabsat who will manage this tender and pertinent contracts, which will be awarded through a full and open competition.