Abu Dhabi - With the launch date of its third satellite set tomorrow 18th November 2007, Thuraya, the world's largest provider of handheld mobile satellite services, is getting ready to commercially operate in Asia-Pacific markets as early as January 2008. Thuraya's expansion towards East Asia will allow it to provide its proven and highly affordable voice, IP and rural telephony services to thousands of private, public and business customers in the densely populated Asian region.
Based on flight-proven 702 model, Thuraya-3 is the third and latest Geo-mobile satellite manufactured by Boeing for Thuraya, and will be launched by US based Sea Launch. The first two satellites, Thuraya-1 and 2, which were the largest commercial satellites ever launched in their times, were launched in year 2000 and 2003 respectively.
Following three weeks of pre-launch activities, the Sea Launch team has arrived at the launch site on the Equator in the Pacific Ocean and has initiated a 72-hour countdown in preparation for the launch of Thuraya-3 satellite on 18 November, according to latest information. Liftoff is planned at the opening of a 44-minute window, at 15:37 GMT (7:37 pm UAE time).
Launch operations are now underway at the launch site, at 154 degrees West Longitude. The Sea Launch Commander is positioned alongside the Odyssey Launch Platform, with the vessels periodically connected by a link bridge during launch operations. A day before liftoff, the launch team will erect the Zenit-3SL rocket on the launch pad and perform final tests on the launch system and the spacecraft before beginning the terminal countdown.
The Sea Launch rocket will place Thuraya-3 satellite into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. The satellite will then perform orbit-rising through its thrusters over several days to eventually approach its designated orbital slot at 98.5 degrees East Longitude.
Thuraya will be holding a major gathering and reception on 18th November 2007 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dubai, to mark and celebrate the launch of Thuraya-3. The gathering, which will be attended by Thuraya's Board, staff, shareholders, SPs, the media and other guests, will watch Sea Launch's Thuraya-3 mission live from the equatorial waters of the Pacific Ocean through a live satellite broadcast and commentary.
Thuraya's CEO Mr. Yousuf Al Sayed says, "The launch of Thuraya-3 is a significant milestone in the Company's progress towards realizing its strategic vision of becoming a dynamic, world leading, multi-regional mobile satellite operator,".
He also added that the Company has already completed all Ground network preparations for Thuraya-3, and set up commercial infrastructure with several promising partners in East Asia, and hence all is set for commercial launch very early in 2008.
Once operational, the new satellite will commercially double Thuraya's current coverage to include all Asia-Pacific countries, enabling it to offer its cutting-edge handheld, fixed, broadband and maritime services in such major markets as China, Japan, Australia, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
- Ends -
About Thuraya (www.thuraya.com)
Thuraya, based in the United Arab Emirates, provides cost-effective mobile satellite services in more than 110 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Services provided by Thuraya include mobile voice, broadband, maritime, rural telephony, fleet management and other advanced applications that enable people and businesses everywhere under its coverage to enjoy constant access to communications and information.
The Company will launch its third satellite on 14 November this year, bringing countries of the Asia-Pacific region under its footprint and extending its coverage to nearly two thirds of the globe's population.
Thuraya was founded in 1997 by a consortium of leading national telecommunications operators and reputed investment firms from the region.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Ebrahim K. Ebrahim
Corporate Communications Department
Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Co.
Post Box 33344, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Tel. 971-2-616-1388
Fax: 971-2-641-7884
Email: e_ebrahim@thuraya.com
© Press Release 2007
