News

Spacecom announced on 5 September 2016 that it is developing a plan of action following the loss of the AMOS-6 communication satellite due to the explosion of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket on the launch pad. The company has begun measures to recover funds invested in the project. The company’s management …

Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat) and Newtec – a specialist in designing, developing and manufacturing equipment and technologies for satellite communications – have announced an expansion of their partnership, enabling optimized solutions for broadcast and telecom customers. Signed today during IBC 2016, the new contract will see Newtec provide Arabsat …

SpaceWatch Middle East wishes all of our Muslim readers a blessed Eid Al Adha!

SpaceWatch Middle East wishes all of our Muslim readers a Happy Arafat Day!

Leading mobile satellite services (MSS) operator Thuraya Telecommunications Company confirmed on 8 September 2016 that it has finalized its next generation constellation plans, and is set to deliver a unique, multidimensional program of expansion and diversification. Building on its strong track record for product innovation and convergence, lead positioning in …

Israeli online publication Israel Defense reports that the Israeli government has placed an order for an ‘Ofek’ electro-optical high-resolution reconnaissance satellite with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). According to the Israel Defense report, published on 6 September 2016, the Israeli Ministry of Defence placed the order with IAI some time ago …

Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) – the entity delegated to design, implement and supervise all the phases of the Emirates Mars Mission- Hope, under the supervision of the UAE Space Agency- has announced the launch of the Explore Mars Poster Competition, in which participants will submit scientific research on …

Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) regrets the loss of Spacecom’s AMOS-6 satellite following the launch pad explosion today of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in Cape Canaveral. In collaboration with Facebook, Eutelsat had contracted a multi-year agreement to lease the satellite’s Ka-band payload covering Sub-Saharan Africa, with a view to …

The Cabinet of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) approved the country’s national space policy during a session held in Abu Dhabi on 4 September 2016. The UAE national space policy will provide high-level political and strategic guidance to the UAE Space Agency and its efforts to establish the Emirates as …

The sale of the Israeli commercial satellite communications company Spacecom to Chinese telecommunications company Beijing Xinwei Technology Group is now in jeopardy after Spacecom’s Amos-6 communications satellite was destroyed when a static engine test of a SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket went wrong at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, United …