Yahsat, the UAE-based satellite operator wholly owned by the Mubadala Development Company, yesterday announced the successful completion of the Critical Design Review, CDR, of its latest satellite, Al Yah 3.

Yahsat senior management joined the Yahsat team of engineers embedded at the Orbital ATK facilities, in Virginia, USA, along with its partner Orbital ATK, for the critical moment that represented the final stage before assembling all components of the satellite.

The CDR is conducted during the engineering and manufacturing development phase, and completion of this indicates that all specifications and requirements have been captured into the overall final design of the satellite.

Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, Chief Executive Officer at Yahsat, said, "Today's successful CDR makes it clear that we are on track for an on-schedule launch. It also serves as a greater proof point of the continued success of our vision for Yahsat. Our third satellite will fuel growth in our business, and significantly expand our coverage area to be a truly global company, all this is in direct response to exceptional customer demand."

Adnan Al Muhairi, Al Yah 3 Satellite Project Manager, said, "It's a great day for all of us. It has been a tremendous learning experience for me being based at the manufacturing facility in the US. Having the opportunity to work hands on throughout this process, and to see how our hard work is paying off. The successful completion of this review just adds to my excitement about the upcoming launch. I am very proud to be contributing to the UAE's next mission into space."

"The successful completion of the Al Yah 3 CDR is an important milestone for the programme and for Orbital ATK's GEOStar 3 platform which includes capabilities to support payload powers up to 7.5kW, advanced avionics and electric propulsion. We look forward to continuing a close working relationship with Yahsat as we move on to the manufacturing and test phase of the programme," said Al Lewis, Vice President of Programme Management for Orbital ATK's Commercial Satellite Division.

Once the new satellite is operational, Yahsat's Ka-band coverage footprint will be significantly expanded bringing high-speed, affordable satellite broadband services to the Brazilian and African consumer and enterprise markets, as well as economic, high data-rate backhaul links for ISPs and telecommunications operators.
Source: WAM