Thales Alenia Space has signed a contract with Nilesat, the Egyptian satellite company, to provide the Nilesat-201 broadcasting communication satellite and associated services and ground stations. As prime contractor, the company will be in charge of the design, manufacturing, test and in-orbit acceptance of the satellite. In addition, Thales Alenia Space will provide a satellite and mission control system for the Nilesat stations in both Cairo and Alexandria.
Based on a Spacebus 4000B2 platform, Nilesat-201 will carry Ku- and Ka-band transponders—24 BSS Ku-band transponders over North Africa and the Middle East, plus 4 Ka-band channels over North Africa and the Gulf region. With a lifetime of more than 15 years, the satellite will have a launch mass of 3.2 tons and will deliver 5.7 kW of payload power end of life.
Reynald Seznec, president and CEO of Thales Alenia Space, commented, “As provider of Nilesat’s first two satellite payloads, we are delighted that Nilesat reiterates its confidence in our company with this satellite contract. This order highlights the dynamic demand for 3-ton class satellites.”