The NILESAT 301 communications satellite, built by Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%) for the Egyptian operator NILESAT, was successfully launched this week from Cape Canaveral launch pad, Florida (USA), on board of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

Utilising a a powerful Ku-band mission, NILESAT 301 is expected to reinforce NILESAT commercial leadership in broadcast services at 7°W over MENA and opening new services over Southern Africa and Nile Basin.

In addition, a multi-beam Ka band mission will support NILESAT’s entry in the broadband connectivity market over Egypt.

Part of a statement released by the companies reads, “As prime contractor, Thales Alenia Space was responsible for satellite design, production, testing and in-orbit acceptance tests. NILESAT will also benefit from brand new satellite control facilities installed in Cairo and Alexandria, which are already operational to control NILESAT 201 in orbit.”

The satellite is based on the Spacebus 4000-B2 platform with about 4 metric tons at launch and a design life exceeding 15 years.

Following NILESAT 201, NILESAT 301 is the second geostationary communications satellite built by Thales Alenia Space for NILESAT. It is also the fourth payload developed by Thales Alenia Space for the Egyptian operator.

“We are delighted to continue supporting NILESAT in this growth by delivering customized satellite products with outstanding performance”, said Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space. “This achievement proves that our telecommunications offer perfectly replies to the telecom market’s needs and that we are perfectly capable of providing tailored solutions that meet each operator’s specific requirements, to enhance global connectivity and reduce the digital divide.”

Sherif Barakat, CEO Thales in Egypt, added, “Egypt is considered one of the most advanced countries in terms of space technologies in the Africa and Middle East. Thales has been present in Egypt since decades, providing our customers with capabilities in defence, transportation, aerospace, space, digital identity and security. It is a great honour and a source of pride for all of us to be part of this strategic project and we are very happy of the successful launching of NILESAT 301 communications satellite."