Arianespace’s long-term commitment to the Middle East market, and the company’s established relationships with this region’s operators, were underscored during the Global Space & Satellite Forum in Abu Dhabi.
In addition to an Arianespace booth in the forum’s exhibit area, Sales Director Tony Thoma provided a company overview during an opening day conference session – which occurred only hours after Arianespace’s successful second flight of the Vega launcher from French Guiana.
“The Middle East area is of strategic importance to Arianespace, which has launched 19 telecommunications satellites for our customers in the region – including Yahsat Y1A in 2011,” Thoma explained. “As a reminder, the Arab League was one of Arianespace’s very first customers, with a contract in 1981 to orbit the Arabsat 1A satellite. We are very proud to have contributed to the successful deployment of key means of telecommunications, providing the region with cutting-edge capabilities.”
He noted that Arianespace’s complete launcher family – composed of the lightweight Vega, medium-lift Soyuz and heavy-lift Ariane 5 – responds to the Middle East region’s full range of launch services needs, including its emerging scientific, military, Earth observation and constellation satellite programs.
“In addition to the telecommunications satellites, Arianespace is answering the demand for access to low and medium orbit with the introduction of its Soyuz and Vega, which complement Ariane 5,” he added. “Arianespace today is capable of launching everything from 20-kg. microsatellites to the 20-ton ATV cargo ship for resupply missions with the International Space Station.”
