Es’hail-2 enters commercial service

Qatar satellite operator Es’hailSat’s recently launched satellite, Es’hail-2, has entered commercial service to target the government, broadcast and telecommunications sectors in Middle East and North Africa.

Ali Ahmed Al-Kuwari

Es’hail-2, designed with Ka-band spot beams and Ku-band wide beams, joins Es’hail-1 at the 25.5⁰ East/26.0° East MENA broadcast hotspot and will augment the capacity already available there to support premium services in the region, according to the operator.

In addition to offering broadcasters and channel owners to distribute HD and UHD content, the satellite will enable telecommunication companies and ISPs to provide telecommunications and broadband services.

Built by Mitsubishi Electric Company and launched by Space X aboard Falcon 9 rocket, Es’hail-2 also features multi-transponder Ka-band payload with anti-jamming capabilities providing. In addition, it carries the first ever payload on geostationary satellite to support amateur radio community across the visible earth from its orbital location, according to Es’hailSat. The spacecraft has a design life in excess of 16 years.

Ali Al Kuwari, president and CEO of Es’hailSat, said: “I am extremely proud that Es’hail-2 has entered commercial service supporting customers in Middle East and North Africa, and I thank the diligent and hardworking teams at Es’hailSat and MELCO, for this success.”