Doha: Qatari newspapers have shed light on the recent signing ceremony of a strategic partnership agreement involving Es'hailSat, the Qatar Satellite Company, and Turkiye's national satellite operator, Turksat. The event, witnessed by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, marks the launch of the third satellite project, Es'hail-3/Turksat-Biruni. Additionally, a separate contract was signed with aerospace manufacturer Thales Alenia Space for the design and construction of the satellite.
According to Qatar News Agency, the newspapers emphasized the significance of this project to the State of Qatar, viewing it as a milestone in the development of Qatar's space sector. The initiative aligns with the country's goals to foster a knowledge and technology-based economy, invest in national talent, and widen its global market presence.
Al-Raya newspaper affirmed that Qatar's leadership in satellite communications exemplifies an advanced model of leveraging modern technology for development and enhancing the country's international stature amid intense global competition for digital and space infrastructure. The publication highlighted that the Es'hail-3 project, estimated to cost pound 295 million ($347 million) with a three to four-year implementation period, is scheduled for launch in 2030. This reflects the technical complexity and strategic planning involved.
The new satellite project represents a significant advancement, focusing solely on satellite communications services, in response to the growing global demand for secure and reliable communication solutions. This enhances Qatar's ability to compete in the Asian, African, and European markets.
Concluding its editorial, Al-Raya stated that the Es'hail-3/Turksat-Biruni project is a pivotal milestone in Qatar's space sector development, integrating economic ambition, technological progress, and human capacity building, thereby strengthening the country's vision of a knowledge-based, technology-driven economy.
Similarly, Al-Watan newspaper highlighted the strategic partnership between Es'hailSat and Turksat, witnessed by the Prime Minister, along with the involvement of Thales Alenia Space for satellite design and construction. This collaboration is a significant step in Es'hailSat's growth journey, as the satellite promises high-speed communications with flexible coverage, packages, frequencies, and bandwidth to meet growing customer demand.
The newspaper elaborated that these agreements are crucial milestones for Es'hailSat, indicating Qatar's ambitions to become a leading satellite services provider. The partnership with Turksat and the contract with Thales Alenia Space are seen as key elements in delivering superior quality communications services and expanding coverage to strategic markets.
Al-Watan concluded that the project is a new milestone in Qatar's space sector development, reinforcing the state's efforts to build a knowledge and technology-based economy, invest in national talent, and extend its global market presence.