(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Es'hailSat, the Qatar Satellite Company, yesterday announced that following consultation, Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) has been selected to launch the company's second satellite, Es'hail 2, in the fourth quarter of 2016 on board a Falcon 9 rocket.
Es'hail 2 is being built by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation in Japan.
The high-performance satellite with Ku-band and Ka-band capabilities will be positioned at 26 degrees East hotspot position to provide TV distribution and government services to strategic stakeholders and commercial customers who value independence of broadcasting and communications, interference resilience, quality of service and wide geographical coverage.
Ali Al Kuwari, CEO, Es'hailSat, said: "We are delighted to have selected SpaceX to launch our second satellite. Now a proven GTO launcher, SpaceX met our special technical requirements and the time-critical mission to launch Es'hail 2 by 2016-end.
"Securing the launch of Es'hail 2 marks another milestone in Qatar's satellite programme and we look forward to working with SpaceX on the mission," he added.
"SpaceX is pleased to have been selected to provide launch services for Es'hailSat's growing fleet of satellites," said Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO, SpaceX.
"Both companies worked together to develop a launch solution that enhances the capabilities for the Es'hail 2 mission. SpaceX is proud to partner with Es'hailSat and we look forward to their successful launch."
Es'hail 2 is scheduled for launch from SpaceX's Launch Complex 40 at the Air Force Station at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Es'hail 1, Qatar's first satellite, entered commercial service on Qatar National Day on December 18 last year.
Through its existing and planned satellites, Es'hailSat will broadcast diversified and high-quality premium content with anti-jamming capabilities across the Middle East and North Africa region.
Al Jazeera and beIN SPORTS are using Es'hail 1 capacity for high definition broadcasting of their premium channels.
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