[12-14-07 – Satellite News] Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Company (Thuraya) now hopes to see its Thuraya-3 satellite launched before the end of January. The launch of the satellite had been scheduled to take place in November, but due to unfavorable weather conditions at the launch site, Thuraya-3 remains grounded.
    Yousuf Al Sayed, Thuraya’s CEO, exclusively told Satellite News this week that the delay was not due to any mechanical problems. “First of all, it is essential to mention that during the past Thuraya-3 launch attempt, all systems; the satellite, Zenit-3SL launch vehicle and the marine system were nominal throughout the campaign,” Al Sayed said. “The delay was due purely to high wind and unprecedented continuous sea currents. If it were not for logistics (food and fuel) we could have launched the satellite. CurrentlySea Launch and Boeing Satellite Services (BSS) are evaluating the situation and I believe we should able to launch before end of January 2008.”

Concerned

Al Sayed admits he is more “concerned” by the delays than “frustrated”. “Thuraya has a lot of experience in facing difficult situations,” he said. Thuraya-3 was originally scheduled for launch on November 13, but high winds and unusually strong ocean currents caused a delay. On November 26, Sea Launch decided to return to home port and reschedule the launch.
    The Thuraya-3 satellite will be launched onboard a Zenit-3SL rocket. The Sea Launch rocket will place the Thuraya-3 satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit. The satellite’s designated orbital slot is at 98.5° East longitude.

Asia

The operator still hopes to really attack markets in Asia with its mobile satellite services early next year, despite the fact that Thuraya-3 is still grounded. Thuraya-3 will be the catalyst for the operator’s entry into the region. The operator hopes to be able to commercially operate in these markets early next year. It is looking to provide voice, IP and rural telephony services to thousands of private, public and business customers in the densely populated Asian region, thanks to the expanded coverage it will have once Thuraya-3 is in orbit. “I strongly believe that we will be able to launch our Asia Pacific services in first quarter 2008,” Al Sayed said. “There is a delay of two months from the previous plan. We are minimizing the impact by enhancing our sales distribution network and using the extra time available to make our presence more robust.”
    Al Sayed said the delay would not have much impact on business. “There is definitely some impact on expected revenue, however it is minimal when compared to overall Thuraya business,” he said. “The year 2008 is the startup year for Asia and revenues are modest. We are taking measures to reduce the propagation of this delay into future years especially that it is minor and can be controlled.”
    The operator has many plans for 2008 and getting an early launch of Thuraya-3 will be key. “There are many elements in our 2008 plans implementation of which has already started,” he said. “Of course doubling our market size through launch of Thuraya-3 is the most obvious one. In addition, we are streamlining our products and services to fit 2008 targeted market segments. 2008 activities will lay the basis for Thuraya transformation into a strong multiregional player.
He continued, “I must say we are currently experiencing exciting times in Thuraya with a focus to maintain our strong position in this increasingly competitive MSS market environment with aspirations to accelerate our growth in 2008 in double digits and to satisfy all our stakeholders.”