Arabsat
Arabsat orders first fully software-defined satellite
Saudi Arabian fleet operator Arabsat has ordered its first fully software-defined geostationary satellite to provide flexible coverage across the Middle East, Africa and parts of Europe.
GEO operators say they can compete against LEO systems on cost
Despite all the investment in low Earth orbit broadband megaconstellations, operators of geostationary satellites argue they can offer more cost-effective services.
Satellite operators see acquisition opportunities
Companies that operate both geostationary satellites and low Earth orbit constellations say they see opportunities to acquire complementary firms but cautioned that a long-projected consolidation of the industry isn’t likely in the near future.
Arabsat orders all-electric Airbus satellite
Commercial fleet operator Arabsat of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia announced Aug. 18 it ordered a geostationary communications satellite from Airbus Defence and Space.
Lockheed Martin lost $410 million on latest three commercial satellite orders
Lockheed Martin says it lost $410 million on the first three commercial satellites built on its new LM2100 platform, including the JCSAT-17 satellite Arianespace launched Feb. 18 on an Ariane 5 rocket.
SpaceX launches second batch of Starlink broadband satellites
SpaceX completed its second launch of 60 Starlink satellites Nov. 11, making its own system the largest commercial telecommunications satellite constellation in orbit.
Inmarsat buyout clears CFIUS review • iDirect buys Glowlink • FIFA blames Arabsat for enabling piracy
Inmarsat’s acquisition by Bidco passed a review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States
Falcon Heavy sends first commercial satellite into orbit
SpaceX sent the Arabsat-6A communications satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit April 11, completing the Falcon Heavy rocket’s first commercial launch.
Arabsat CEO: Falcon Heavy gives our satellite extra life
Arabsat chose SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket to launch its newest satellite in order to give the satellite a longer lifespan, Khalid Balkheyour, Arabsat’s chief executive, said in an interview with SpaceNews.
Arianespace launches Indian, Saudi telecom satellites in year’s first Ariane 5 mission
European launch provider Arianespace completed the first Ariane 5 mission of the year Feb. 5, lofting two telecom satellites into geostationary transfer orbits.
FIRST UP Satcom | Arabsat refutes World Cup piracy involvement • Court lifts ban on Telebras-Viasat deal • Spanish MoD to buy two satellites
To receive FIRST UP Satcom, a weekly SpaceNews newsletter for satellite and telecom professionals, sign up here.
Arabsat Falcon Heavy mission slated for December-January timeframe
SpaceX’s first Falcon Heavy launch with a commercial satellite is scheduled to occur around the end of the year, according to customer Arabsat.
Ariane 5 orbits telecom satellite for India, condosat for Inmarsat and Hellas Sat
European launch provider Arianespace carried three customer payloads to orbit June 28 through the launch of two satellites, one for India and another that is split between fleet operators Inmarsat and Hellas Sat.
Ariane 5 Lofts Arabsat, ISRO Satellites in Rocket’s Final Launch of 2015
Europe’s heavy-lift Ariane 5 rocket on Nov. 10 successfully placed telecommunications for Arabsat of Saudi Arabia and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in the vehicle’s sixth and final launch for 2015 and its 69th consecutive success.
Lockheed To Debut New Flexible Processor in Arabsat Satellite Slated for 2018 Launch
The company says the new digital processor provides on-orbit flexibility including the ability to reconfigure the payload and change frequencies to defeat jamming threats.
Arabsat Orders U.S. Satellites — with a Side of Know-how
The Saudi Arabian government’s two-satellite purchase order with Lockheed Martin is the latest in a series of international satellite contracts where the buyer insists on help creating a domestic satellite industry.
Two-satellite Arabsat Order Ends Lockheed’s Commercial Drought
Satellite fleet operator Arabsat of Saudi Arabia on April 28 said it had entered into contracts valued at $650 million with satellite builder Lockheed Martin Space Systems and launch provider Arianespace for the construction of two satellites and the launch of one of them in 2018.
Lockheed Poised To End Dry Spell with Arabsat Order
Satellite fleet operator Arabsat of Saudi Arabia has selected Lockheed Martin Space Systems to build two telecommunications satellites following an international competition, industry officials said.
