Boeing’s Newest Satellite for Thuraya Ready to Expand Mobile Coverage in Asia

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced the on-orbit handover of the Thuraya-3 Geo-Mobile satellite, which will extend Thuraya’s coverage to 170 countries in Europe, Africa and Asia. Thuraya-3 is the third Boeing-built 702 Geo-Mobile satellite for Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications, a leading multiregional mobile satellite operator. The satellite was launched Jan. 15 aboard a Sea Launch Zenit-3SL rocket.

“Over the past decade, Boeing has worked side by side with Thuraya to develop satellites that provide much-needed additional communications capacity to people across Asia, and we continue that partnership with the handover of Thuraya-3,” said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. “Boeing thanks Thuraya for choosing a Boeing 702 satellite.”

“Thuraya is technically and commercially well prepared to operate the Thuraya-3 satellite after its handover to Thuraya. The successful launch of Thuraya-3 and post-launch testing are a result of a strong and long-standing partnership with both Boeing and Sea Launch,” said Thuraya CEO Yousuf Al Sayed. “We are very excited to bring our pioneering mobile satellite service to the Asia-Pacific market, providing a range of cutting-edge communications services. There are a variety of sectors, such as rural telephony, maritime and broadband, in addition to the core mobile service, that promise an excellent prospect for Thuraya in the region.”

The Thuraya-3 satellite enables Thuraya to double its current commercial coverage -- including its handheld, fixed and broadband services -- to parts of Asia that include markets in China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia and Australia. Boeing is the proven leader in delivering the technology behind complex mobile satellite systems that provide a lifeline for first responders reaching those in need, connect businesses that depend on reliable data access, and supply telecommunications services to those who use mobile phones every day.