Arianespace, King Abdul-Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), and Arabsat recently signed a launch service contract for the Hellasat-4/Saudi Geo Satellite-1 satellite.
The launch marks the 10th contract that Arianespace and Arabsat have signed.
An Ariane 5 is scheduled to launch the HellaSat-4/Saudi Geo Satellite-1 from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana, in 2018.
The satellite is designed to last longer than 15 years. It will weigh approximately 13,227 pounds when it is launched, and will provide television broadcasting and telecommunications services. The satellite’s orbital position is set for 39 degrees east above North Africa, the Middle-East and Europe.
"Arianespace is particularly proud to serve once again such a historical and prestigious operator as Arabsat,” Stephane Israel, chairman and CEO of Arianespace, said. “Since the launch of Arabsat-1A in 1985, Arianespace had orbited eight others satellites for this operator. Moreover, Arabsat 6B is scheduled in the second part of the year. I would also like to thank King Abdul-Aziz City for Science and Technology for entrusting us with this launch."
Lockheed Martin has agreed to build the satellite for Arabsat and KACST. The satellite will be used for KACST, based in Saudi Arabia.
“This year marks the 30th anniversary of our successful partnership with Arianespace,” Khalid Balkheyour, president and CEO of Arabsat, said. “At Arabsat, we have always admired the seriousness and professionalism that Arianespace carry their business process, always seeking perfection.”
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