[Satellite Today – 1-30-08] International Launch Services (ILS) will launch a satellite for Al Yah Satellite Communications Co. (Yahsat) of the United Arab Emirates under an agreement from satellite manufacturer Thales Alenia Space, ILS announced Jan. 30.
    In August, Yahsat signed a deal with Thales Alenia Space and EADS Astrium for the construction of a dual-satellite communications system. Yahsat, which is owned by Mubadala Development Co., will provide commercial and government services across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Southwest Asia.
    “Yahsat considers the rollout of the Yahsat satellite program to be an essential role in the delivery of the latest in satellite broadcast and connectivity solutions to the Middle East, Africa and Southwest Asia,” Jassem Mohamed Al Zaabi, CEO of Yahsat, said in a statement. “Our partnership with Proton will develop this program as in our plans to establish ourselves as the satellite broadcast services provider of choice in the region.”
    Arianespace announced Jan. 15 that it had received a contract to launch the other Yahsat spacecraft.