"Space 42" Announces the global commercial launch of "Thuraya-4"
Abu Dhabi, 5 November / WAM / Space 42 announced the global commercial readiness of its new satellite for mobile communications services, Thuraya-4 (T4-NGS).
The satellite provides secure, improved and reliable connectivity covering more than 100 countries in Europe, Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East, with expansion to new markets including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia.
“Thuraya-4” embodies the vision of “Space 42” based on integrating communication with artificial intelligence, as it is a continuation of the legacy of “Thuraya” company, which extends for more than 25 years, and which today has become part of “Space 42”.
The new T4-NGS satellite redefines technology infrastructure, becoming a multi-sector platform that reflects a disciplined, strategic approach to achieving sustainable growth.
The satellite is also linked to a 15-year government contract worth US$708 million, and is the mainstay of the company’s mobile communications services via satellite.
On this occasion, Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Space Services at Space 42, said: The commercial readiness of the Thuraya 4 satellite constitutes a milestone in Space 42’s journey, as it strengthens its leading position in the field of non-terrestrial communications networks, and embodies the ability to achieve the long-term vision of global expansion and tangible commercial growth.
“Thuraya-4” operates within the broadband frequency band (L-band), ensuring stable and continuous performance in various land, sea and air sectors. The satellite provides safe and efficient communications for a wide range of sectors, including ships crossing the Mediterranean Sea, energy operations in remote areas of Africa, and aviation networks, allowing real-time data transmission and vital coordination of tasks in locations where it is impossible to rely on terrestrial networks.
Thuraya-4, which was launched in January 2025 and is built on the Airbus Eurostar Neo platform, is one of the largest satellites specialized in mobile satellite communications services in orbit. It is equipped with a 12-meter antenna, an on-board data processing system and an advanced software architecture, allowing speeds exceeding 1 megabit per second and the possibility of reconfiguration while in orbit via remote software updates.
This flexibility provides a dynamic ability to distribute bandwidth, intelligently define coverage areas, and ensure seamless integration with terrestrial networks.
The satellite’s structure is also distinguished by its compatibility with Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and direct communication between devices and satellites, allowing the connection of smartphones and sensors without the need for specialized terminals.
The new “Thuraya-4” product group includes 16 products covering various sectors, the most prominent of which are: The IP NEO satellite data transmission device with (Pilot Communications) technology and the Commander NEO device for safe field operations in the maritime sector, in addition to the Orion NEO device for operations at sea.
The satellite also covers broadband data, through the satellite data transmission device (Voyager NEO) with (communications on the move) technology, and (T320), (T420) and (T220) stations for fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and drones, within the framework of aerial uses.
Thuraya-4’s products also include the field of deployable networks through the Mobile Gateway NEO station to provide instant communications anywhere, supported by the IP Handset for built-in mobility, in addition to the field of beyond-line-of-sight communications via the Tactical System (T-TAC) to extend the range of (UHF/VHF) communications across land, sea and air environments.
The operation of the new satellite is part of a series of achievements witnessed by Space 42, including the successful launch of three radar satellites within the Foresight Earth observation constellation, the availability of the data analysis center (GIQ) on Microsoft Azure, in addition to the expansion of satellite manufacturing capabilities within the UAE.
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