Thuraya, the United Arab Emirates-based world's largest provider of handheld mobile satellite services, is set to commercially launch its operations in the Asia-Pacific markets by January with the launch of its third satellite on Monday."The launch of Thuraya-3 is a significant milestone in the company's progress towards realising its strategic vision of becoming a dynamic, world leading, multi-regional mobile satellite operator," Thuraya Chief Executive Yousuf Al Sayed said.
Though the launch of Thuraya-3 was originally scheduled for 9.47 pm (IST) Sunday, it has been rescheduled for 7.47 pm on Monday, according to the Abu Dhabi-headquartered Thuraya website.Thuraya-3 is the third and latest geo-mobile satellite manufactured by Boeing for Thuraya, and will be launched by the US-based Sea Launch rocket from the Equator in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
The first two satellites, Thuraya-1 and Thuraya-2, the largest commercial satellites ever in their times, were launched in 2000 and 2003 respectively.The Sea Launch rocket will place Thuraya-3 into geosynchronous transfer orbit. The satellite will then eventually approach its designated orbital slot at 98.5 degrees east longitude.
Once operational, the new satellite will commercially double Thuraya's current coverage to include all Asia-Pacific countries, enabling it to offer its handheld, fixed, broadband and maritime services in China, Japan, Australia, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
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