A communications satellite from Yahsat, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Development Company, was launched from the European Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana.The Ariane 5 rocket carrying the spacecraft lifted off at 1:37am (Abu Dhabi Time) on Saturday.
Over the next few days, Y1A will undertake a series of maneuvers before arriving at its final point of operation, 52.5 degrees east, above the UAE.
After arriving in position, control of the satellite will be managed by a team of UAE-national satellite engineers based out of the Yahsat control station in Al Falah, Abu Dhabi.
“I would like to express my pride and gratitude during this moment of achievement,” said Jassem Mohamed Al Zaabi, CEO of Yahsat and executive director of Mubadala Information, Communications and Technology.
“This success is the direct result of the unwavering vision, dedication and hard work of our leadership, Mubadala, the UAE Armed Forces and the entire Yahsat team. As a result of this work, we have not only stepped into space, but taken a significant stride in driving economic diversification and progress with our partners across the UAE,” he added.
Waleed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi, chairman of Yahsat and chief operating officer of Mubadala Development Company, said: “The launch of Y1A is hugely important for Mubadala and Abu Dhabi.”
“Satellite communications are an integral component in establishing the world-class information and communication infrastructure that will support the continued economic diversification of the Emirate. The successful launch of Y1A is a tremendous step forward in delivering an advanced technology and communications offering based here in Abu Dhabi,” he added.
Yahsat has commissioned two satellites to create regionally-focused capacity to manage the expanding requirements for government, commercial and consumer satellite communication services. The second satellite, Y1B, is scheduled to launch at the end of 2011.
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