Es’hailSat order second satellite for 26° East

Qatar-based satellite operator Es’hailSat has ordered its second satellite, which will be built by Japan’s Mitsubishi Electric (Melco).

The satellite, Es’Hail 2, will be positioned at the Middle East hotspot of 26° East. It will have a Ku- and Ka-band payload and will provide TV distribution and government services as well as the first satellite capacity for Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation.

The satellite is expected to launch at the end of 2016. Es’hail 1 was launched on December 18 last year and provides satellite capacity to Al Jazeera and BeIN Sports, among others.

“With the success of our first satellite – Es’hail 1 – we are delighted to move forward with our satellite procurement programme with Melco. Es’hail 2 demonstrates both our commitment to providing premium satellite capacity for broadcasters in the MENA region and to building a sustainable satellite industry for the State of Qatar,” said Ali Al Kuwari, CEO of Es’hailSat.