UAE's AI-Powered Space Tech Firm Launches Thuraya-4 with SpaceX

On January 3, SpaceX blasted off the Thuraya-4 satellite into orbit for Space42, a newly formed space tech company from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This was SpaceX's first launch of the year, happening at 8:27 p. m. Eastern time from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. The satellite, designed by Airbus on the Eurostar Neo Platform, aims to provide mobile connectivity across Europe, Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East with its 12-meter L-band antenna. Space42 was created when Yahsat, a UAE-based satellite operator, merged with Bayanat, a local AI provider, in 2023. Thuraya-4 was ordered in 2020 to replace two aging Boeing satellites in geostationary orbit. Although there was an option for a second satellite to cover Asia, it hasn't been activated yet.

Originally, Thuraya-4 was planned to launch in 2023, but was delayed due to issues with Airbus' space business. Recently, it was scheduled for a December launch, but SpaceX had a busy 2024 with 134 launches, compared to 96 in 2023. Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX's president and COO, has set a goal of 175-180 launches for 2025. Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Space42's Yahsat Space Services, mentioned that Thuraya-4 will help the company offer innovative AI-powered services to its global clients, but didn't give details. In October, Karim Sabbagh, Space42's managing director, shared that the company is focusing on hybrid connectivity and geospatial services for emerging markets, such as autonomous vehicles. Space42 also provides broadband and TV services from three other satellites. Airbus is building two more satellites for them, Al Yah-4 and Al Yah-5, scheduled for launch in 2027 and 2028 by SpaceX. Additionally, Space42 has ordered two low Earth orbit spacecraft from Airbus as part of a future multi-orbit strategy.

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