Saudi Arabia’s first communication satellite launched into orbit

Saudi Arabia's King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) on Tuesday announced the successful launch of the first Saudi satellite for communications (SGS-1) from the Guiana Space Centre on an Ariane 5 rocket, state-owned Saudi Press Agency reported.

The rocket took off from its launch pad in French Guiana on schedule at 9 pm GMT. 

The satellite, which is the Kingdom's 16th, will provide telecommunications capabilities, stronger Internet connectivity, TV and secure communications in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.

The Saudi satellite was developed by a team from KACST in collaboration with US-based Lockheed Martin.

The SGS-1 was manufactured, tested and operated with the participation of Saudi engineers and scientists. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman oversaw manufacturing stages during his visit to Lockheed Martin’s San Francisco headquarters, the SPA said.

The SGS-1 satellite, which will be operated and controlled from ground stations based in the Kingdom, will serve and support the infrastructure of the telecommunications sector.

"فوق هام السُحب" طموحُنا | لحظة إطلاق #القمر_السعودي_للاتصالات 🛰 #SGS1 حاملاً توقيع ولي العهد للفضاء.. #فوق_هام_السحب pic.twitter.com/t88lByrNNK

— KACST (@KACST) February 5, 2019