TIBA-1 is unloaded from a chartered An-124 cargo jetliner at French Guiana’s Félix Eboué Airport. Flight VA250. (Photo Courtesy of Arianespace)
Egypt is prepping to launch its first ever communications satellite "Tiba-1", which will be designated for public and trade telecommunication services.
The move comes in implementation of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's directives to develop the Information and Communications Technology sector, in line with the Sustainable Development Strategy, Egypt's Vision 2030.
The satellite, manufactured by a consortium of Airbus and Thales Alenia Space, is set to be launched by Arianespace.
TIBA-1, will weigh approximately 5,640 kg at liftoff and was designed for a service life exceeding 15 years, according to data by Arianespace. It will occupy the upper passenger position in Ariane 5’s dual-payload configuration on the upcoming mission, which is designated Flight VA250 in Arianespace’s numbering system.
It will provide coverage for Egypt, some states in North Africa and the Nile Basin countries.
The Tiba 1 satellite will offer telecommunication services and broadband internet to remote areas in the country, with a view to supporting development projects and bridging the digital gap between urban and rural areas.
It is also expected to serve the sectors of energy, education and health, as well as to help all state bodies combat crime and terrorism.
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