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Qatar confirms 2nd satellite plan
By Chris Forrester
Qatar’s first satellite, a joint-venture with Eutelsat, is having its final checks prior to launch on August 29. Es’Hail Sat’s CEO is Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari and has in the past spoken of a half-dozen satellites in his overall plan.
He has now confirmed that a second satellite, Sohail-2 will be built and launched by the end of 2016-17. Space Systems/Loral built Sohail-1, which was 54.5 per cent financed by the Qataris. The balance 45.5 per cent is owned by Eutelsat. Eutelat markets its portion of the satellite as Eutelsat 25B.
Sohail-1 can carry around 130 standard-definition channels, and about 30 in HD. First broadcasters to be carried will be TV services from Al Jazeera’s growing news, documentary and sports services.
By Chris Forrester
Qatar’s first satellite, a joint-venture with Eutelsat, is having its final checks prior to launch on August 29. Es’Hail Sat’s CEO is Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari and has in the past spoken of a half-dozen satellites in his overall plan.
He has now confirmed that a second satellite, Sohail-2 will be built and launched by the end of 2016-17. Space Systems/Loral built Sohail-1, which was 54.5 per cent financed by the Qataris. The balance 45.5 per cent is owned by Eutelsat. Eutelat markets its portion of the satellite as Eutelsat 25B.
Sohail-1 can carry around 130 standard-definition channels, and about 30 in HD. First broadcasters to be carried will be TV services from Al Jazeera’s growing news, documentary and sports services.