Arabsat, a leading regional satellite operator in the Middle East and Africa, and satcoms solutions provider Thales Alenia Space have signed a contract to build Arabsat-7A, a fully flexible software-defined satellite (SDS) based on the Space Inspire (INstant SPace In-orbit REconfiguration) platform by Thales Alenia Space.
Arabsat says it has now joined the transition from traditional bent-pipe GEO satellites to the highly agile and adaptable SDSs which, it says, are expected to change the face of the geostationary satcom industry.
The partners say the Space Inspire platform will enable seamless telecom mission and services reconfiguration of the Arabsat-7A satellite, instant in-orbit adjustment to broadband connectivity demand, and superior video broadcasting performance, while maximizing the effective use of satellite resources.
Arabsat 7A will join Arabsat 6A and 5A at its data hotspot at 30.5E. It will replace the bulk of the existing C and Ku-band capacity on Arabsat 5A as this satellite reaches end-of-life to ensure a seamless transition for customers and partners. It will also offer ample high-throughput Ku-band capacity to help Arabsat expand its services into several verticals to enhance its portfolio of products and solutions over the Middle East, Africa and beyond, to parts of Europe.
Arabsat, which says it is the only satellite operator in the MENA region offering the full spectrum of broadcast, telecommunications and broadband services, has been serving the growing needs of the Arab world for over 45 years, operating from its headquarters in Riyadh and two satellite control stations in Riyadh and Tunis.