Program: Arabsat
Also called Badr, means "full moon"
Satellite program of the Arab States operated by
Arabsat
also known as Arabsat Satellite Communications Organization (ASCO)
In 1976 22 countries decided to build, launch and operate their own
telecommunications geostationary satellites. At this time the Arabsat project
was an innovation because even if Canada (
Anik)
and the United States (
Comstar,
Satcom
and
Westar)
had their own satellites it was only for national communications. 3 satellites
were ordered in 1981 to Aérospatiale and the Earth stations were build
from 1983 on by Japanese companies.
The organization has started a process towards privatization in 1998.
Arabsat 6E and 6A will have payload capacities in Ku and Ka bands. They will be
dedicated to support the growth of Arabsat's business and provide in-orbit
backup capacity to its customers; and to serve the increase in the markets
demand for satellite capacities and services over the Middle-east, Africa and
Asia.
Arabsat
Operation Center
Tel: +966 1 404 2019
Fax: +966 1 403 3072