RISING STAR QATAR'S With a young fleet, a state-of-the-art teleport and advanced satcom services, Es'hailSat secures Qatar's satellite future ...
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ISSUE 79 | MAY 2022 Licensed by Dubai Development Authority
QATAR’S
RISING STAR
With a young fleet, a state-of-the-art teleport and advanced
satcom services, Es’hailSat secures Qatar’s satellite future
MAY 2022 satelliteprome.com INTRO
GROUP
MANAGING DIRECTOR RAZ ISLAM
raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com
+971 4 375 5483
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR VIJAYA CHERIAN
vijaya.cherian@cpitrademedia.com
+971 4 375 5472
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE &
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
SHIYAS KAREEM
shiyas.kareem@cpitrademedia.com
+971 4 375 5474
EDITORIAL
EDITOR VIJAYA CHERIAN
vijaya.cherian@cpitrademedia.com
+971 (0) 55 105 3787
WELCOME
Space is no longer an fuelling port, akin to a gas cap, which
SUB EDITOR AELRED DOYLE
aelred.doyle@cpitrademedia.com inaccessible frontier, incorporates grappling elements so it
and it’s fascinating to can be used for docking.
ADVERTISING
GROUP SALES DIRECTOR SANDIP VIRK
see how some ideas Faber sums up the whole package as
sandip.virk@cpitrademedia.com that were merely on “a tank and a pump to deliver the fuel”
+971 50 929 1845
paper a few years ago are now slowly and says most of the innovation is not
+44 (0) 7516 993 862
unfolding before our eyes. Last month, as much in the technology as in the
DESIGN I had the opportunity to speak with business models.
ART DIRECTOR SIMON COBON
simon.cobon@cpitrademedia.com
serial entrepreneur and CEO of Orbit Another interesting conversation
Fab Daniel Faber, whose mega plan SatellitePro had was with Astroscale,
DESIGNER PERCIVAL MANALAYSAY
percival.manalaysay@cpitrademedia.com
to build gas stations in space is now which is specifically working towards
slowly becoming a reality. “safely removing defunct objects
CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION
Faber’s team has been working from space and pioneering new ways
PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
PHINSON MATHEW GEORGE
over the last four years towards this, to service, upgrade and transport
phinson.george@cpitrademedia.com and now most of the underlying spacecraft”.
+971 4 375 5476 technology needed to have fuel depots Such innovations hugely support big
WEB DEVELOPMENT in space has been developed. In fact, players who already have satellites in
ABDUL BAEIS the first operational propellant depot space, and this issue of the magazine
FINANCE has been launched in LEO and two has tried to capture some of the
CREDIT CONTROL EXECUTIVE years from now, Orbit Fab will have traditional solutions we need while
CAMERON CARDOZO
cameron.cardozo@cpitrademedia.com
shuttles to take the fuel from the also exploring different sub markets
+971 4 375 5499 depot to the operational satellites. that are mushrooming to support this
FOUNDER
Besides creating a brand new sector. From traditional GEO players
DOMINIC DE SOUSA (1959-2015) opportunity for the first time to refuel and upcoming software-defined
satellites, which were previously satellites to regional developments
rendered useless if they ran out of gas, and startups, we have put together an
Faber’s dream is to help “create the interesting read to complement the
bustling economy that will ultimately satellite showcases and discussions at
The publisher of this magazine has made support permanent jobs in space”. CABSAT this year. See you at the show.
every effort to ensure the content is accurate on
the date of publication. The opinions and views
Faber has been clever. His fuel
expressed in the articles do not necessarily reflect depots have a payload that produces
the publisher and editor. The published material,
adverts, editorials and all other content are published no data, consumes no power and
in good faith. No part of this publication or any part
requires no antennas. By keeping the
of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored
or transmitted in any form without the permission depots simple, he has also ensured
of the publisher in writing. Publication licensed by
Dubai Development Authority to CPI Trade Publishing
they are cost-effective. Likewise, the
FZ LLC. Printed by Printwell Printing Press LLC. fuel shuttles have rendezvous docking
CPI Trade Media. PO Box 13700, Dubai, UAE. elements that allow them to dock to VIJAYA CHERIAN
+971 4 375 5470 cpitrademedia.com
another satellite. Here again, Orbit Editor
© Copyright 2022. All rights reserved. Fab relies on the satellite having a SatellitePro ME
01
MAY 2022 satelliteprome.com CONTENTS
05
UPDATE
Industry News
NileSat to launch fourth satellite in
May 2022; Arabsat signs MoU with
Actia Group; Hughes launches flat
panel antenna technology for OneWeb;
SpaceChain launches Abu Dhabi
office; Safaricom and Intelsat expand
LTE coverage in Kenya; and more
12
COVER – ONE SATELLITE AT A TIME
Tracing Es’hailSat’s journey
Hamad Al Mannai, VP – Commercial,
05
discusses Es’hailSat’s GEO plans,
its role in the World Cup and
its roadmap for the future
18 TECH FEATURE
The future of comms
Software-defined satellites will enable
more flexibility in space, allowing
people on the ground to adapt to
market changes, says Carmel Ortiz
20 The rise of new players
ADDRESSING SPACE DEBRIS
12
As the world goes into full throttle
with new satellite launches, space
debris is becoming a massive concern.
We look at a new industry emerging
to address this on various levels
26 INTERVIEW
Aiming for the stars
Salem Humaid Al Marri, newly appointed
DG at MBRSC, gives us a flavour of what’s
cooking in the MBRSC lab these days
30 SPECIAL FEATURE
Global regulators on
20
spectrum management
DSA President Martha Suarez shares how
regulators across the world are attempting
more efficient utilisation of spectrum
34 CABSAT 2022
Tech showcase
New solutions and discussions at the event
40
GUEST COLUMN
Jamming and interference
Alvaro Sanchez reveals ways
to avoid interference 26
03
MAY 2022 satelliteprome.com UPDATE
NileSat-301 launch delayed, Yahsat
new date not announced reports
$408m
SATELLITE LAUNCH timeline of 25 months. and direct digital broadcasting
NileSat-301, the fourth satellite However, the timeline was services in two new large revenue for
from Egypt’s commercial
satellite communications
extended by four more months
from January 2022. NileSat
regions of Africa, while
providing broadband Ka-band
2021
operator NileSat, will not also signed a launch contract connectivity over all of Egypt. BUDGET
launch in May 2022 as with SpaceX for the in-orbit Nilesat-301 is based on the Yahsat’s momentum
previously scheduled owing delivery of the satellite. Spacebus 4000-B2 platform continued in Q4 2021,
to some delays. European The satellite will have and will weigh about four with revenue of $123.3m
satellite manufacturer a minimum lifespan of 15 metric tons at launch. NileSat exceeding the previous
Thales Alenia Space had years in orbit and will deliver 301 is the second GEO satellite year by 7.9%, leading
previously stated that communications and satellite built and fourth payload to full-year revenue of
Nilesat-301 was placed inside broadband services to Egypt developed by Thales Alenia $408m, marginally up
its transport container and and neighbouring countries in Space for Nilesat. Once year-on-year. During the
was ready for departure. North Africa and the Middle delivered to SpaceX, it will be year, contracted future
NileSat signed the contract East. It will also help extend fitted onto a SpaceX Falcon revenues rose more
back in December 2019, and the company’s provision of 9 satellite launch vehicle and than 35% to close at over
the project had a development Ku-band communications launched from Florida. $2bn, underpinned by
the 15-year T4-NGS
Managed Capacity
Arabsat signs MoU with Actia Group Services Agreement
signed in June 2021,
This business model which added more than
shall be extended for $700m, equivalent to
other satellites services additional annualised
in Ku- and Ka-band. revenues of $47m from
Actia has an extensive mid-2024 onwards.
line of terminals and A significant number
satcom power amplifiers of contracts were also
to meet Arabsat’s – or signed in the Data
its clients’ – needs Solutions and Mobility
wherever its satellite Solutions businesses,
capacity is available in with particularly
the MENA region. strong momentum in
Dr Badr AlSuwaidan, CEO of Arabsat.
Dr Badr AlSuwaidan, Q4. Over this period,
CEO of Arabsat, said: the aggregate value
PARTNERSHIP end users state-of-the-art, “Arabsat operates the most of contracted future
Arabsat and Actia cost-effective, end-to- trusted satellite fleet in the revenues in these two
Telecom, an Actia end satcom solutions for Arab world and beyond, segments more than
Group company, have commercial customers delivering high-quality doubled. Together with
signed a Memorandum in the MENA region. service. Along with Actia an extensive pipeline
of Understanding to While Arabsat will Telecom, we will continue of new business
strengthen a strategic provide high-throughput delivering innovative opportunities, Yahsat
business relationship satcom capacity in Ku solutions through aims to grow in 2022,
initiated a few years ago Appendix, Actia Telecom cutting-edge space and with approximately
during the Arabsat 13th will integrate, deliver, ground technologies, to 70% of the Group’s 2022
Telecom Forum. Arabsat install and support the be the destination for projected revenues
and the French satcom Ku Appendix satellite satellite communications contracted as of
integrator combine their communications and one-stop shop for December 31, 2021.
expertise to offer Arabsat terminals. our customers.”
05
UPDATE MAY 2022 satelliteprome.com
Hughes announces flat panel antenna
technology for OneWeb at Satellite 2022
SATELLITE TECH at speeds of 190Mbps down are proof of our continued technology is unlike
Hughes Network Systems and 20Mbps up, with average engineering leadership on any developed to date.
revealed its new technology roundtrip latency of 55ms. the path to an integrated, Combining our decades of
for electronically steerable Pradman Kaul, Hughes worldwide ecosystem of experience working on low-
flat-panel antennas, including President and CEO, said: terrestrial and multi-orbit Earth orbit systems with
a prototype for delivering “With our hybrid Jupiter satellite connectivity.” our intimate understanding
OneWeb low-Earth orbit satellite-LTE capability As owner and operator of the OneWeb system,
(LEO) connectivity services and our flat-panel LEO of HughesNet, Hughes our engineers created an
at the Satellite 2022 trade antenna, Hughes is realising continues to enhance its entirely new design that
show in Washington, DC. a multi-transport vision for offerings with faster speeds, delivers high performance
As a technology partner, our customers and partners. more data and network that will change the
investor and service provider The Hughes technology optimisations. To help paradigm for LEO
for OneWeb, Hughes demonstrations at Satellite shorten the time it takes service implementations
designed and is deploying 2022 for an internet signal to worldwide.”
the gateway electronics for transmit (the latency), Neil Masterson, CEO,
the worldwide ground Hughes developed OneWeb, added: “This
system. the integrated new antenna is the latest
The GEO satellite- example of Hughes’
antenna LTE capability engineering expertise and
seamlessly that employs its commitment to working
hands off signals Hughes ActiveTechnologies in close collaboration with
from one satellite beam to to route data intelligently OneWeb to enhance our
another every 11 seconds, and A prototype of and seamlessly over the service offering for enterprise
from one satellite to the next the new Hughes optimal transport path. and mobility customers.”
every three minutes. Over a phased array Adrian Morris, Hughes Hughes aims to make
antenna panel
series of tests, the antenna Executive VP, Engineering, its antenna technology
was on display
technology has been proven at Satellite stated: “The Hughes for OneWeb services
to support LEO connectivity Show 2022. flat-panel LEO antenna available by early 2023.
Viasat and Batelco partner to distribute broadband services in MENA
BROADBAND explore other potential broadband capacity from Middle East and Africa,
Viasat has signed service areas, including Viasat’s current satellite said: “Viasat is on a
a non-binding hybrid connectivity systems, with plans to path to bring high-
MoU with Bahrain solutions combining evolve to the ViaSat-3 quality broadband
Telecommunication satellite and terrestrial satellite platform once connectivity. By signing
Company (Batelco) broadband for launched and operational. an MoU with Batelco,
to distribute satellite businesses; corporate As a first step of the MoU, we can strategically
broadband connectivity local area network the companies expect to explore various
to the MENA region, extension services; implement a proof-of- business synergies and
focusing on the potential satellite connectivity concept trial within the collaborations with a
commercialisation and for mobile backhaul; next several months. proven market leader in
distribution of satellite and IoT business-to- Commenting on the the MENA region, ahead
broadband connectivity business applications. deal, Peter Langkilde, of the launch of our
to businesses. The Viasat and Batelco Viasat GM, Broadband next-generation ViaSat-3
companies also plan to seek to leverage satellite Services, Europe, satellite constellation.”
06
UPDATE MAY 2022 satelliteprome.com MAY 2022 satelliteprome.com UPDATE
SpaceChain launches Abu Dhabi office Yahsat and Al Seer Marine to offer
REGIONAL LAUNCH
SpaceChain has opened a new
six blockchain-enabled
satellite payloads into space
in the space, blockchain and
fintech arenas within the
satcom solutions to maritime vessels
office in Abu Dhabi as it looks to realise its DSI vision. region to uncover business MARITIME communications services while ensuring performance,
to tap into markets in the Zee Zheng, co-founder and growth opportunities Yahsat Government Solutions for safety and security reliability and security.
Middle East. Incorporated and CEO of SpaceChain, across multiple service has signed an MoU with Al mission-critical applications, GM Eisa Al Shamsi said:
and operated under the legal said: “Being part of the offerings, including e-wallets, Seer Marine to test line- such as COTM and beyond “We are delighted to have
entity of SpaceChain MENA Hub71 community places space commodities exchange, fitting unmanned vessels line of sight (BLoS). signed this MoU with Al Seer
Ltd, the new office is located SpaceChain at the gateway micro-geoservices that with advanced comms-on- By pre-qualifying its Marine. It will allow Al Seer
at Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global to the burgeoning space connect EO service providers the-move (COTM) satellite COTM solutions to work Marine to draw upon Yahsat’s
tech ecosystem, where the industry in the MENA region. with user communities, communications solutions. efficiently on Al Seer’s rich expertise in system
company will spearhead the Our presence alongside and decentralised finance Yahsat’s advanced satellite unmanned vessels, Yahsat has integration on airborne,
planning and development of other high-growth tech (DeFi) applications. communications solutions developed a strong business shipborne and land vehicular
integrated space-blockchain companies will allow us The UAE government has will be jointly offered model and value proposition platforms, enabling dynamic
projects and initiatives Zee Zheng is co-founder to share expertise and lent support in developing to customers to support which reduces integration and versatile applications
in the MENA region. and CEO of SpaceChain. collaborate with leading a space industry across critical operations such as and timeline risks, ensures Eisa Al Shamsi, General requiring satellite
The establishment of influential players in Abu the region. The National Exclusive Economic Zone platform structural and Manager of Yahsat connectivity. By using our
Government Solutions.
SpaceChain’s UAE office capabilities to enterprises and Dhabi’s growing innovation Space Strategy 2030 aims (EEZ) protection, security, design integrity, warrants pre-equipped and pre-tested
is a milestone in advancing communities across MENA ecosystem that are interested to enhance the space anti-piracy, anti-human onboard combat systems and solutions, Al Seer Marine
SpaceChain’s decentralised to create a next-generation in capitalising on the sector’s contribution to trafficking and coastal patrol. sensor compatibility, and COTM, BLoS and other will be able to provide its
satellite infrastructure (DSI) infrastructure for the new space economy.” the national economy and The MoU will enable Al Seer optimises system integration combat systems on maritime customers additional value
for business and fintech blockchain industry in outer SpaceChain MENA will promote the UAE’s regional Marine to build on Yahsat’s costs. The combined platforms opens the door to while trimming unwanted
applications, and extending space. To date, SpaceChain collaborate closely with and international presence experience in delivering expertise of Al Seer Marine a range of add-ons, creating costs associated with
its space-as-a-service has successfully launched start-ups and organisations in the space industry. highly secure satellite and Yahsat in melding massive value for customers testing and qualification.”
Safaricom works with Intelsat to expand LTE coverage in Kenya MBRSC launches World Space Sustainability Association
LTE PARTNERSHIP reach places supports the and opening up new SPACE PARTNERSHIP focus on a number of
Kenya’s telco operator, Kenyan government’s opportunities. Mohammed Bin Rashid existing challenges, such
Safaricom, has signed a vision for a digitally Intelsat Director of Space Centre (MBRSC) as the management of
multi-year contract with empowered citizenry. Sales in Africa Hans has announced the debris in space and the
Intelsat to modernise Intelsat’s global Geldenhuys said: “This launch of the World sustainable development
its network and expand satellite network, with partnership enables Space Sustainability of innovation and
LTE coverage to more Safaricom’s expertise, Safaricom to leverage our Association, part of the space technology,
subscribers across the will ensure secure global hybrid network official proceedings of in cooperation with
country. Intelsat will coverage even in the and expand its LTE the World Government many stakeholders and
provide Safaricom with most remote areas of coverage to remote areas Summit 2022, with the relevant authorities.
both cellular backhaul the country. Intelsat’s and more subscribers aim of strengthening The World
over satellite and network delivers carrier- in Kenya, helping them efforts and coordinating Government Summit
enterprise connectivity grade bandwidth increase their revenue initiatives that will At the World Government Summit. hosted more than 4,000
services. The availability where and when it is Hans Geldenhuys, Intelsat and provide an improved, address challenges facing participants, including
of Safaricom LTE service needed most, ensuring Director of Sales in Africa. more reliable experience the space industry, number of major global and developers of space senior government
everywhere will enhance a seamless, reliable to their customers. The and undertaking corporate entities. The and satellite solutions, officials, experts and
connectivity for the experience for businesses technology delivers reach of our network initiatives that will MBRSC and its partners space business entities, leaders of the private
68.9% of the Kenyan to operate optimally, the fast mobile internet across Africa also offers develop the industry. will work to expand the leading policy-makers, sector, to explore the
population that lives in connect with their connectivity needed for growth opportunities The WSSA was scope of the initiative regulators, international future of governments
rural areas. Bringing customers and benefit an optimal experience, as Safaricom looks to launched in cooperation by attracting more organisations and in more than 110 key
such service to these from new commercial turning smartphones expand its activities in with Elseco, Herbert stakeholders in the sector, innovators. panel and interactive
challenging, hard-to- opportunities. LTE into connected devices other areas in the region.” Smith Freehill and a including operators The initiative will workshop sessions.
08 09
UPDATE MAY 2022 satelliteprome.com
17 - 19
MAY 2022
Thuraya and Cobham partner to DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE
# CA B SAT 2 0 2 2
launch radio communications solution
SATELLITE TECH collaborations with Cobham
Thuraya Telecommunications SATCOM and reaching
Company, the mobile satellite more milestones of this
services subsidiary of Yahsat, nature in the near future.”
has launched its new IP- The global PTT (including
based radio communications hardware, solutions and
solution, Thuraya Push-to- services for all network
Talk (PTT), developed along types) market size is set to
with Cobham SATCOM. It grow from $29.2bn in 2021 to
will enable users across a $45.2bn by 2026, a CAGR of
wide spectrum of industries to 9.1%, with the public safety,
extend the range of their voice government, energy and
communications beyond line utilities sectors occupying
of sight (BLoS) wherever their The solution manages communicate across different a significant proportion of
assets and teams are located. communications from areas, countries or continents. growth. In addition, the
Thuraya PTT is an IP-based multiple devices and locations Thuraya CEO Sulaiman global hybrid-satellite cellular
radio communications solution and provides real-time, Al Ali said: “Our partnership terminal market is expected to
that works in conjunction uninterrupted switching with Cobham SATCOM reach around $700m by 2031,
with any Thuraya broadband between satellite, cellular and has been a key component a CAGR of 22.81% during the
terminal to establish a LAN, ensuring cost-efficient of this successful launch. It forecast period 2021-2031.
private network. It gives
users the ability to combine
and integrate different
and reliable connectivity.
Thuraya PTT is designed for
mission-critical operations
has enabled us to broaden
and enhance our portfolio
offering by creating a platform
Thuraya PTT extends
legacy push-to-talk capabilities
to hybrid data networks such
Creative. Connected. Conscious.
technologies, such as 3G/LTE/
LMR (land mobile radio), via
to support organisations
in remote areas that often
for further innovation and
development of features and
as terrestrial cellular networks
where available, supplemented
The MEASA region’s leading event for the
Thuraya’s advanced satellite
system for seamless voice
struggle with a lack of reliable
connectivity, particularly when
applications to increase our
global market share. We’re
by the Thuraya satellite
network where no terrestrial
broadcast, content and Pro AV industries
and data communications. there is an urgent need to looking forward to more network coverage is present.
Tap into new business potential as thousands of key buyers, thought leaders and decision
makers from over 120 countries come together to design, shape and co-create the future of
Bahrain signs US-led Artemis Accords the content creation, delivery and Pro AV industries.
PARTNERSHIP spacecraft, developed by the UAE and Israel. Additional countries Don’t miss all this and more at CABSAT:
Bahrain is the latest Bahrain’s National Space NASA, in coordination will join the Artemis
nation to sign the Artemis Science Agency (NSSA) with the US Department Accords in the months
Accords, which embrace a in cooperation with the of State, announced the and years ahead, as Creative Connected Conscious
common set of principles UAE, another Artemis establishment of the NASA continues to work Share, discuss and dive Explore, meet and exchange A focus on sustainable practices
to guide cooperation Accords signatory.” Artemis Accords in 2020. with its international into trends, challenges, experiences with a diverse range across the content creation
among nations NSSA CEO Dr The Artemis Accords partners to establish a innovations and of stakeholders including industry and delivery ecosystem with
participating in NASA’s Mohamed Al Aseeri reinforce the 1967 Treaty peaceful, and prosperous
opportunities. executives, integrators, engineers, special conference content and
Artemis programme. signed the Artemis on Principles Governing future in space. Working
solutions providers and more. workshops.
NASA Administrator Accords for Bahrain, the Activities of States in with new and existing
Bill Nelson said: “This which joins 16 other the Exploration and Use of partners will add new
important decision countries to sign this Outer Space, including the energy and capabilities to Organised by
by Bahrain follows deal. Bahrain is the third Moon and other Celestial ensure the entire world
the recent successful country in the Middle Bodies, otherwise known can benefit from this Register today to visit at www.cabsat.com
launch of the Light-1 East to sign, following as the Outer Space Treaty. journey of exploration.
Reach out to us for sponsorship opportunities: cabsat@dwtc.com
10
COVER STORY MAY 2022 satelliteprome.com MAY 2022 satelliteprome.com COVER STORY
ES’HAILSAT’S
BLUEPRINT FOR
QATAR’S SPACE
FUTURE
As Qatar’s state-backed satellite operator Es’hailSat enters its
12th year since launch, Hamad Al Mannai, Vice President –
Commercial, traces the company’s journey and discusses its
GEO plans, its role in the World Cup and its roadmap for the
future with SatellitePro ME
You’ve been MENA region. 2019 saw the launch target market and customers who
around for 11 of our state-of-the-art teleport cannot do without the advantages
years. What are in Doha and the commissioning that they offer, be it technical or
your commercial of our iDirect hub, which can commercial. The premium video
and technical deliver fully managed services. neighbourhood at 25.5 East /
milestones over the years, and do Spread across 50,000sqm with 26 East relies on our Ku-band
you have any numbers to share? more than 99.9% availability, we capacity and reaches millions
As Qatar’s satellite operator of are now able to expand into a host of viewers across MENA. This
choice, Es’hailSat has been serving of new services from our teleport. gives the major broadcasters in
broadcasters, telecom companies, With capacity utilisation across the region the ability to deliver
enterprise and government both our satellites at about 70%, their content to the maximum
customers for the past 11 years which is above industry standards, number of eyeballs, all from
from our headquarters in Doha. we support key customers in the our teleport located in Doha.
Es’hail-1 launched to 25.5 East in region with adequate capacity Ka-band, on the other hand,
2013 followed by Es’hail-2 at 26 availability for expansion and provides data networking services
East in 2018, both carrying Ku- to support new customers. to a wide variety of government
band and Ka-band capacity for and commercial customers. The
MENA. The early years since our Can you elaborate on what economics of a lower cost per bit in
incorporation in 2010 saw strategic advantage you enjoy in Ka-band enables these customers
partnerships with customers such these spaces, and if there are to run efficient networks that
as Al Jazeera, beIN and Ooredoo specific preferences for Ku- are both robust and financially
for broadcast, telecommunications band or Ka-band in different viable. In terms of capacity, we are
and VSAT services. MENA markets? How much certainly operating our satellites
Between 2015 and 2020, the capacity do you have left? at a high fill rate because of the
trend continued with government We definitely operate in both, as reasons mentioned above, but
customers such as the Civil Aviation is evident from our two satellites depending on the requirement, we
Authority in Qatar as well as and their capacity configuration. can provide potential customers
commercial partnerships across the We believe each band has its own with as much as they need.
12 13
COVER STORY MAY 2022 satelliteprome.com MAY 2022 satelliteprome.com COVER STORY
the new OTT ecosystem? come to the forefront in the last
For our customers, path-breaking Es’hailSat’s few months, with supply chain
broadcasters such as Al Jazeera
and beIN Sports, opportunities lie
satellites are a issues causing delivery delays and
further delaying implementation,
in delivering every possible genre symbol of Qatar’s service roll-out, etc.
of content to consumers across
all touchpoints – the television commitment to free, The big, inevitable question:
at home, the mobile device on secure and independent how deeply has the pandemic
the move and over Internet impacted your business, and
connectivity over land, sea or communication, and what measures have you
air. Es’hailSat is enabling these
opportunities by adopting cutting-
the World Cup offers taken to recover from the last
few months of lockdown?
edge technology and delivering the perfect opportunity Over the last two years, the
a world-class service from our pandemic has shown us how
strategically located teleport for us to showcase our important it is to have cost-
Es’hailSat’s teleport in Doha, which was launched in 2019, provides a range
of services including back-up studios for TV channels and disaster recovery.
facility in Doha. In addition,
we are evaluating various OTT
capabilities” effective connectivity solutions to
enable people to remain connected
projects both from a perspective Hamad Al Mannai, Vice President – and productive. Online activities
Are there plans for a services for our customers. To equipment and antenna hosting, of supporting existing clients and Commercial, Es’hailSat have surged in the last year or
new satellite soon? support one such initiative, we and provide managed services independent OTT aggregation.
At an average fleet age under six have commissioned Comtech and as required by the customers.
years, we at Es’hailSat have one of iDirect VSAT hubs at the teleport With the World Cup coming
the youngest fleets of any satellite to provide fully managed service You were primarily developed up in Qatar and significantly
operator in the MENA region. Our packages to our end users. This has to establish Qatar’s presence in higher broadcast demands,
plans are to continually upgrade helped organisations improve their space. How has your mandate is Es’hailSat also looking to
our capabilities in terms of our own network and offer services changed over the years, and ramp up? What will you have
teleport, ground segment and to their end users, providing what is the evolving vision? on offer for media companies
managed services, to be able to them with resilient and reliable Es’hailSat’s satellites are a coming in to cover the event?
leverage our young fleet in orbit communication services for the symbol of Qatar’s commitment For the various mega-events
today. We are working on multiple enterprise needs. Our teleport to free, secure and independent such as the World Cup which are
long-term projects to fulfil our enables us to adopt the latest communication, and the World broadcast live across the globe, we
vision to be a world-class satellite advancements in international Cup offers the perfect opportunity at Es’hailSat have enhanced our
operator and service provider technology, including cloud for us to showcase our capabilities. satellite news gathering services
that effectively contributes to the playout services, content delivery Even beyond that, Qatar’s 2030 capabilities. These, along with our
success of Qatar’s National Vision networks (CDNs), and mobility Vision has been designed to Es’hail-1 and Es’hail-2 satellites
2030 by adding a new dimension and telecommunication services. move us from a carbon-based at 25.5/26 East hotspot, will
to the diversifying economy. We We provide hosting services to a knowledge-based economy, provide the backbone required by
are evaluating new satellites in both in terms of data centre and and Es’hailSat is a key part of news broadcasters and television
GEO for future applications such that vision. For our business, channels to carry these events
as IFC, IoT and others. At the Our plans are to the priority over the next 12 across the region and beyond.
same time, we are also open to months is to expand our services
partner with NGSO constellations continually upgrade to support the rapid growth of What challenges are satellite
to achieve a winning proposition
for all parties concerned.
our capabilities in terms Qatari customers across the
board. The sky is the limit for
operators facing these days, and
how are you addressing them?
of our teleport, ground Qatar’s ambitions, and Es’hailSat The first would be piracy, as
Tell us more about your wants to ensure that we are content protection is still a concern
teleport – some of the tech segment and managed the first choice for companies for the MENA region. Although
highlights and how it will
improve your services.
services, to be able to in the country and across the
region wherever there is a need
a majority of the large piracy
incidents have been addressed and
Es’hailSat’s state-of-the-art leverage our young fleet for connectivity over satellite. discontinued, there is still rampant
teleport in Doha was launched
officially in 2019 to manage the
in orbit today” What are your current
online piracy of content. Then
there are always price pressures
operations of our satellite, and Hamad Al Mannai, Vice President – offerings in the DTH space, when it comes to satellite capacity, Es’hail 2 was launched in 2018 and operates at 26° East.
also to support value-added Commercial, Es’hailSat and how are you adapting to services and equipment. This has
14 15
COVER STORY MAY 2022 satelliteprome.com MAY 2022 satelliteprome.com COVER STORY
two, initially because of the one considers the established radical shift from linear satellite
compulsions that arose during the
Our teleport geostationary satellite services distribution to adopting internet- Qatar entered the space race with the
launch of its first satellite Es’hail-1 in 2013.
pandemic, but also because people enables us to adopt segment. LEO and MEO are based OTT delivery over the last
have thereafter realised that a lot relatively young and unproven, few years. MENA as a region
can be accomplished online, even the latest advancements which makes the recent gold rush has a mix of users who prefer
if one is not physically present
in offices and other locations.
in international of announcing constellations a
trend that we believe needs to
streaming services, as well as a
healthy number of those who
The net result of this has been technology, including be approached with cautious would still want to consume their
that connectivity has become optimism. A lot needs to be done premium 4K/UHD content on
more critical to the lives and cloud playout services, before these systems become a smart TV over a satellite DTH
livelihoods of people, and robust content delivery fully available to market, and service. Due to this underlying
telecommunication services are the sheer volume of capital demand demographic, we continue
now seen as an essential utility. networks and mobility and technology advancements to remain bullish on the future
While the industry can do a lot
more, the pace of broadband
and telecommunication required makes it an uphill climb
for the companies involved. We
of satellite television in the
region for many years to come.
growth in MENA has been quite services” are happy to collaborate with
encouraging. The deployment of these companies and bring our Are there any regional or
Hamad Al Mannai, Vice President –
4G and 5G infrastructure has been strengths to the table in a manner global partnerships that you
Commercial, Es’hailSat
critical to developing low-cost that enables collaborative growth. would like to elaborate on?
wireless broadband in MENA. As recently as 2019, Es’hailSat
Es’hailSat’s satellite services and world-class teleport facilities and They keep saying satellite is signed a joint venture agreement
our teleport infrastructure are top-of-the-line assets in space dying and linear channels are with BridgeSat (now called
well positioned to deliver cost- and on the ground, to name a taking their last breath. What is BridgeComm) based in Denver,
effective broadband solutions few. As Qatar’s satellite operator your opinion about the place Colorado. This enables the required for vessels at sea. One as well as other neighbouring
across the MENA region. of choice, we bring tremendous satellite will occupy in this installation of an optical ground such example is the successful countries such as Egypt, Sudan,
value to any NGSO partnership market in the future, and why? station at our facilities in Qatar proof of concept that we Libya, Algeria, Morocco and
There’s a lot of activity in the and can provide the local and Do you have any numbers for low-cost laser satellite completed in 2021 using low- Eritrea. We have commissioned
LEO and MEO space. What are regional expertise that these to back up your claims? communications across the Middle profile flat-panel VSAT terminals Comtech and iDirect Hub
Es’hailSat’s plans on this front? global companies need to build a From our perspective, the East. We have signed agreements for the maritime environment, Services from our teleport,
We remain open to partnerships sustainable business in the region. commercial television market with global mobility satellite using the Es’hail-1 satellite. which offers fully managed data
with NGSO companies to leverage Doing business in any space- still looks robust, even though service provider Inmarsat for service packages to end users.
upon our strengths, which are based industry is hard, even if the broadcast industry has seen a mobility services within Qatar, Who are some of the other Innovative solutions include
complementing the services we customers in the Arab world fully encrypted, secure, fixed
provide on our satellites. We have that use your capacity? and mobile communications,
multiple agreements with other Es’hailSat’s two satellites, Es’hail-1 anti-jamming capabilities, as
terminal and antenna and service and Es’hail-2 located at 25.5/26 well as robust and reliable
providers, such as iDirect, Cobham, East, offer coverage of North broadcasting services catering
etc, that enhance and support our Africa and the Middle East, to audiences across MENA.
end-to-end service provisioning. including both Gulf countries
Over the past year, Es’hailSat What steps have you taken
has signed many strategic to protect the interests
partnerships to enable Qatari Qatar’s 2030 of content owners and
companies to benefit from the
most advanced technologies.
Vision has been legitimate rights owners?
By enhancing our monitoring and
We showcased some of our designed to move us anti-jamming capabilities, we
partnerships regarding maritime are able to offer content owners
and mobile broadband connectivity from a carbon-based the assurance that their media
at the Qatar International Boat
Show in November 2021. Certain
to a knowledge-based properties are in safe hands
from a distribution perspective.
partnerships we now have allow economy, and Es’hailSat We continue to support
us to offer enhanced VSAT
support services in the maritime
is a key part of that vision” numerous organisations that are
trying to combat piracy issues
Es’hailSat’s Capacity Management Centre is a 24/7 facility
segment, while others cater to Hamad Al Mannai, Vice President – across the region, and remain
that manages access to the operator’s satellite fleet.
communications infrastructure Commercial, Es’hailSat committed to this cause.
16 17TECHNOLOGY MAY 2022 satelliteprome.com MAY 2022 satelliteprome.com TECHNOLOGY
SOFTWARE-DEFINED
GEO satellites are unmatched
in their ability to focus coverage
over densely populated areas;
SATELLITES: SHAPING
even more so with software-
defined GEO satellites, which
means no wasted capacity over
THE FUTURE OF
unpopulated areas. Having said
that, non-geostationary (NGSO)
constellations have compelling
benefits in terms of latency, terminal
COMMUNICATIONS
look angle and ubiquity. We fully
believe that ultimately the best
networks will be multi-orbit,
combining the benefits of GEO and
NGSO in a complementary way.
Software-defined technology will bring more flexibility in space, An artist’s rendering of the two Intelsat
software-defined satellites, IS-41 and IS-44, with
Unleashing 5G and new apps
allowing people on the ground to adapt to market changes and create 5G will open up a new era for
the corresponding antennas configuration.
Image source: Thales Alenia Space
communications, bringing more
connectivity on demand, where and when needed, says Carmel Ortiz homes and enterprises online,
increasing throughput and efficiency, While all software- inflight Wi-Fi to passengers.
A few years back, and flexibility. Following a thorough and service coverage. The future enabling more powerful applications Defence customers will benefit from
as we set out to assessment of various technologies, is software-defined everything! and opening new business defined satellites capacity which can be dynamically
reassess our strategy we determined that the advanced Satellite beam size, power and
bandwidth change in response to
opportunities. The technology will announced so far are allocated, tracking aircraft, troops
or ships to deploy resources
based on our software-defined satellite technology make the fourth industrial revolution
customers’ growing envisioned was critical to enabling signals from terminals, hubs and a reality, with 5G-powered geostationary, what precisely where they are needed.
our advanced resource management The successful deployment of 5G
connectivity needs, we looked at
how to optimise an already powerful
us to respond to these growing
requirements – and would be the system, providing continuous
smart cities, smart homes and
smart agriculture transforming
ultimately matters for networks will require engagement
network. We had a clear vision of catalyst for our growth. Today, connectivity over land, sea and air, the way we live and work. end users is not the with the broader telecom
what we wanted to achieve: we we have more than ten software- resulting in uninterrupted, high- To make 5G successful, all ecosystem and embracing the same
needed to be able to deliver the exact defined satellites planned, including quality service for aircraft and ships. stakeholders must put in place the orbit or the frequency standards and partnerships. This
bandwidth our customers would
need, when and where they would
four already in production.
Technology investments and
The combination of ground
network innovations with these
building blocks to maximise the
opportunity that the technology
band, it is the network’s is fundamental. We believe that
3GPP’s 5G specification, known
need it. We also needed to ease the innovations over the past few years satellites enables greater agility, can bring. Our industry is a key performance, availability as Release 17, should bring all the
provisioning of new connectivity have coalesced to maximise the flexibility and automated network stakeholder, and we can bring specifications necessary for this
services and be able to respond to effective and efficient use of satellite orchestration. Software-defined satellite communications into the
and value proposition” integration, and with it the ability
traffic spikes in a matter of seconds. resources. Fully reconfigurable while technology will bring more telecommunications mainstream Carmel Ortiz, VP, Systems Innovation, Intelsat to drive new business models.
We needed to enable telecom in orbit, software-defined satellites flexibility in space so that people by adopting 5G standards in our
operators to quickly and efficiently allow bandwidth to be dynamically on the ground can adapt to market networks. This is an opportunity key role in realising the technology’s Empowering underserved areas
extend the reach of their network, adapted and flexibly reconfigured to changes and create connectivity on to seamlessly integrate with full potential, complementing the The roll-out of 5G technology across
while allowing airlines and cruise concentrate capacity where demand demand, where and when needed. terrestrial infrastructure, to allow capabilities of terrestrial networks Africa is still in its early stages, but
ships to benefit from a seamless, is highest. Unlike traditional and While all software-defined our customers to deploy applications and helping to bring network analysts expect significant volumes
always-on experience. For this, high-throughput satellites, we no satellites announced so far are and services globally without the connectivity to places they can’t of 5G subscriptions by 2022. Satellite
we needed to design a truly global longer have to decide in advance geostationary (GEO), what custom adaptations often required reach. Enterprises will be able to communications networks built on
and unified 5G network to answer where to provide service and capacity. ultimately matters for end users is for satellite deployments. We can securely access public and private 5G standards can help accelerate
the call for high-speed, reliable, And with faster build and deployment not the orbit or the frequency band, expand the ecosystem of suppliers, cloud-based applications from 5G deployments in places where
dynamic coverage on a global scale. times, software-defined satellites it is the network’s performance, driving down cost and increasing virtually anywhere in the world. terrestrial infrastructure is not
While our network of traditional eliminate network bottlenecks. availability and value proposition. flexibility. This will enable us With satellite beams capable of available. Adoption of standards used
and high-throughput satellites Realising the benefits requires an We believe strongly that GEO to adapt and respond to users’ following aircraft individually by the telecom industry, combined
already responded to our customers’ equally innovative and advanced has the best economics from growing connectivity requirements anywhere in the world, airlines with software-defined satellites,
connectivity needs, we looked at ground network – space and ground a cost-per-bit and total cost of as they evolve in real time. will always get the capacity they will help make 5G a reality.
how we could evolve the design of components working seamlessly to ownership perspective and will 5G will enable many need, enabling them to develop
our combined satellite and ground detect changes in customer demand always be well positioned to groundbreaking applications, with new business models based on the Carmel Ortiz is Vice President,
networks to accelerate performance and dynamically reconfigure capacity address these key requirements. software-defined satellites playing a provision of reliable and robust Systems Innovation at Intelsat.
18 19SPACE DEBRIS MAY 2021 satelliteprome.com MAY 2021 satelliteprome.com SPACE DEBRIS
Extension In-Orbit (LEXI) mission junk travels at speeds of up to
will provide life extension and 17,500mph, fast enough for even
manoeuvring services to satellites a relatively small piece of orbital
weighing up to several thousand debris to damage a satellite or a
kilos in geostationary orbit (GEO). spacecraft. With debris constantly
THERE’S
“We expect that Astroscale will in motion, even communications or
become a critical service provider navigation systems here on Earth
for safely removing defunct objects could be rendered inoperational
from space and pioneering new by crashes and collisions.
BIG
ways to service, upgrade and As the frequency of such
transport spacecraft to maintain collisions increases, more
and grow the viability of Earth’s space junk is being created.
orbits,” Ron Lopez, President & In theory, the result could be
MONEY
Managing Director at Astroscale’s the Kessler Syndrome, a chain
US arm, tells Satellite Pro. reaction of collisions making it
The tech firm is among the early difficult to launch new space
movers in a developing high-tech If the projected missions, scientists warn.
IN SPACE
garbage disposal industry. Since “If we don’t do something
the USSR launched Sputnik 1, the trillion-dollar-plus within the next few decades – 50
world’s first artificial satellite,
space has become increasingly
space economy is to years at most – then the Kessler
Syndrome will become a reality.
crowded. As of January, there were be realised, it must The youth of today will certainly
JUNK
need to solve the problem,” says
4,852 active satellites currently
in orbit, according to the Union
be built on a more author and space debris expert
of Concerned Scientists (UCS), sustainable foundation. John L Crassidis, Professor
a science non-profit. But there of Mechanical and Aerospace
are also more than 3,000 inactive On-orbit servicing Engineering at the University at
As the world embarks on a golden age of space,
orbiters above our heads. More
than two-thirds of all satellites are
is that foundation” Buffalo, who works with NASA
and the US Air Force on the issue.
Ron Lopez, President & Managing In April, an international
the pressing problem of space debris must in LEO, which requires the lowest
energy for satellite placement. Director, Astroscale team of researchers writing in
be addressed. Estimated at $14bn for on-orbit In addition, millions of
pieces of space junk circle the
services alone, could this give rise to a new Earth. The result of explosions,
collisions or anti-satellite tests,
industry, asks Keith J Fernandez these debris are both working
and defunct pieces of spacecraft
or satellites, including discarded
The accelerated from low-Earth orbits (LEO). servicing operations in space, the rocket stages, fragmented
pace at which The two spacecraft that company said in a statement. hardware and even paint flecks.
satellites are being comprise ELSA-d – a 175kg Astroscale is also working on According to NASA’s Orbital
launched into ‘servicer’ and a 17kg cubesat several other on-orbit products. Debris office, at least 25,000
space has now ‘client’ equipped with a magnetic Its ELSA-M spacecraft, based of these objects are larger than
drawn attention to some of its docking plate – were launched on an evolution of ELSA-d’s 10cm across, while another
unintended consequences. In the into a 550km LEO orbit in March technologies, is being created to 500,000 are particles between 1
process, a new sub-industry in last year. In August, the company tidy up non-magnetic satellite and 10 cm in diameter. There are
the space sector is emerging. said ELSA-d had successfully debris of up to 800kg at altitudes more than 100 million particles
Over the past year, Japanese released and recaptured the of 1,325km in a single mission. larger than 1mm. Of these, the
startup Astroscale has been client multiple times, offering The Active Debris Removal by US Space Command actively
testing its End-of-Life Services early proof of concept. Although Astroscale-Japan (ADRAS-J) craft, tracks more than 40,000 objects
by Astroscale-demonstration irregularities stalled the mission selected by the Japan Aerospace in space to avoid collision risks.
(ELSA-d) technology, to show how earlier this year, Astroscale is set Exploration Agency, will show NASA puts the aggregate
An artist’s rendering of Astroscale’s
man-made objects can be serviced to resume it soon and is learning how large-scale debris can be weight of material in orbit around Life Extension In-Orbit (LEXI) Servicer.
and space debris can be removed valuable lessons about satellite taken out of orbit. And its Life Earth at 9,000 metric tons. This
20 21SPACE DEBRIS MAY 2021 satelliteprome.com MAY 2021 satelliteprome.com SPACE DEBRIS
the Nature Astronomy journal This could generate $14.3bn in
highlighted another potential revenue through 2031, he adds, Clockwise from left:
Image of an Orbit Fab tanker;
problem, warning that a citing Northern Sky research.
the Astroscale’s LEXI, equipped with
dramatic rise in space debris An exponential increase in the a RAFTI service valve; Orbit Fab’s
will impact a wide range of number of launches in this golden refuelling service architecture.
fields, including astronomy. era of space exploration is only
“Modern society is completely going to exacerbate the problem.
dependent on services from space,” Some 17,000 new satellites are
Lopez says. “Communications, set to be launched through 2030,
financial systems, navigation, research from Euroconsult shows.
weather and national security That’s a four-fold increase from
warnings, and climate and the 3,800 sent into orbit over
environmental monitoring are the previous decade, thanks to
all powered by satellites. The economies of scale in satellite
orbits these satellites occupy manufacturing and a strong
around Earth are becoming decrease in launch prices. Of the
dangerously crowded.“ If we don’t do 170 constellation projects assessed,
“While satellite operators and 110 are by commercial companies,
launch service providers have something within often called New Space players.
evolved approaches that remove the next few decades – OneWeb, Starlink, Gwo Wang,
satellite and spent upper stages Kuiper and Lightspeed represent
from orbit at end-of-mission, this 50 years at most – then 58% of these new launches.
larger active and retired satellite
population, and the more crowded
the Kessler Syndrome Besides defence and aerospace,
IT and telecom provide the most
orbital environment it will create, will become a reality. significant revenue opportunities
will drive future debris volumes
unless we take proactive steps to
The youth of today over the short and medium
term from this pie in the sky. In
manage the space environment. will certainly need to particular, satellite broadband
If the projected trillion-dollar- internet is in greater demand,
plus space economy is to be solve the problem” with the global economy
realised, it must be built on a more John L Crassidis, Professor of increasingly underpinned by
sustainable foundation. On-orbit Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering connected technologies such as
servicing is that foundation.” at the University at Buffalo the internet of things (IoT).
The space economy is projected years, according to projections by Payload Adapter (Vespa) from an
to be worth $1tn or more in the European Space Agency (ESA). orbit at about 800km, left there in
2040, up from $350bn at present, The ESA is the first space 2013. The $104m project, carried
according to estimates by Morgan agency to commit to debris out by Swiss startup ClearSpace,
Stanley. Government space neutrality. By 2030, it hopes to will work to match the velocity
programmes continue to dominate be adding zero net debris to the of the object before capturing it
the sector, accounting for three- Earth orbital environment, and and bringing it back down into
quarters of current revenue at by 2050 it hopes to have fostered the atmosphere, Chief Engineer
about $240bn, but even here the a circular economy in space by Muriel Richards told Newsweek.
playing field has become more using in-orbit servicing to ensure Clearing debris is one approach
diversified. McKinsey data shows long-term orbital sustainability to the problem. Another is
that around 70 countries now have – in other words, to recycle, refuelling, which could extend
established space programmes, repurpose and reuse satellites and satellites’ lives, meaning fewer
including the UAE, Costa Rica, other man-made space objects. new launches. At present, satellites
the Philippines and Rwanda. In 2025, the agency hopes reach the end of their useful
Even without this increase in to be the first to remove an life when they run out of fuel.
Left: ELSA-d from Astroscale is part of the world’s first launch rates – in a business-as- item of debris left in orbit. Its Many must be decommissioned
commercial orbital debris removal mission to operate in LEO; usual scenario – the number of Clearspace-1 mission will deploy an at that point because there is
and above, a rendering of the ADRAS-J spacecraft (intended
for active debris removal) inspecting a rocket body.
space debris objects greater than experimental four-armed robot to no way to refuel them easily.
10cm could double in the next 50 bring back a 100kg Vega Secondary San Francisco-based Orbit
22 23You can also read
