Al Yah Satellite Communications Co. (Yahsat) has signed a deal with European satellite companies EADS Astrium and Thales Alenia Space for the buildout of a dual satellite communications system, Yahsat announced Aug. 8.

The two satellites are scheduled for launch in the second half of 2010. Worth an estimated $1.66 billion, the deal is a major boost to both European satellite manufacturers. EADS Astrium and Thales Alenia Space will design and construct the two satellites from design concept to post-launch.

With design lives of 15 years, the satellites are intended to meet the requirements of government and commercial customers alike in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and SW Asia. They will provide Yahsat’s customers with solutions for broadcasting services, Internet trunking via satellite, corporate data networks and backhauling services to telecom operators.

The Yahsat system will feature YahSat 1A located at 52.5° East and YahSat 1B at a location yet to be determined, and is designed to accommodate emerging satellite industry applications including high-definition TV (HDTV) and other broadband satellite services.