Arabsat launches Badr-8 satellite, in partnership with Airbus and SpaceX

Riyadh-based Arabsat launched its latest satellite, Arabsat Badr-8, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from, Florida, US, on May 26.

The satellite will join the Badr network at Arabsat’s orbital position of 26 degrees east, providing a wide range of services for television broadcasting, satellite communications, and information exchange in C and Ku frequency bands.

Arabsat partnered with Airbus and SpaceX for the launch. Watch the liftoff here.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of Badr-8, which will provide advanced satellite services for our customers and partners in the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and beyond,” said Engineer Alhamedi Alanezi, Arabsat president and CEO.

“The launch of Badr-8 demonstrates our commitment to expanding our satellite capabilities and providing the latest cutting-edge satellite solutions to meet the growing demand for high-quality broadcasting and communications services in the region and around the world. ”

Badr-8 to boost optical comms in space

As a 7th generation satellite, Badr-8 is based on the Airbus Eurostar Neo electric orbit raising platform.

The satellite features the Airbus developed TELEO optical communications payload demonstrator. This payload will enable very high-capacity analogue optical feeder link communications capability. Proven to be highly robust against jamming, the technology is part of Airbus’ development strategy of a new generation of optical communications technology in space.

The launch of the satellite will enhance Arabsat’s capabilities and capacity to offer modern and advanced solutions that meet the needs and expectations of the company’s customers.

In other news, the UAE has announced a space mission that will explore the asteroid belt. The mission will launch a spacecraft “MBR Explorer” in 2028 that will travel for seven years to land on an asteroid in 2034.