Space42 Expands Mobile Satellite Services with Thuraya-4

UAE-based SpaceTech leader Space42 has officially launched its next-generation mobile communications satellite, Thuraya-4 (T4-NGS), bringing advanced connectivity solutions to over 100 countries across Europe, Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East. New markets now include South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, and Zambia, expanding the company’s global footprint.

Thuraya-4 is designed to merge connectivity with intelligence, transforming satellite communications into a versatile, multi-vertical platform. This milestone strengthens Space42’s role in non-terrestrial networks, backed by a 15-year government contract valued at USD 708 million, which forms the foundation for its mobile satellite services business.

Advanced Technology for Diverse Environments

Operating on the L-band spectrum, Thuraya-4 ensures uninterrupted communications across land, sea, and air, even in remote and challenging environments. The satellite supports industries ranging from maritime operations in the Mediterranean to energy projects in Africa and aviation networks, enabling real-time data transfer where terrestrial infrastructure is unavailable.

Built on the Airbus Eurostar Neo platform and launched in January 2025, Thuraya-4 is one of the largest mobile communications satellites in orbit. Key technological highlights include:

• 12-meter reflector antenna and onboard processing for enhanced coverage

• Software-defined architecture for dynamic bandwidth allocation

• Speeds exceeding 1 Mbps with in-orbit reconfiguration via software updates

• Compatibility with IoT and Direct-to-Device connectivity, removing the need for specialized terminals

A Suite of 16 Innovative Products

Thuraya-4’s capabilities are reflected in its 16 new products designed for specific sectors:

• Land: IP NEO M/C for broadband mobility (COTP), Commander NEO for secure operations

• Broadband Data: Voyager NEO for on-the-move connectivity (COTM)

• Maritime: Orion NEO for offshore communications

• Airborne: T320, T420, T220 for fixed-wing, rotary, and UAV aircraft

• Deployable Networks: Mobile Gateway M/C NEO with IP Handset for instant connectivity

• Beyond Line of Sight: T-TAC tactical transceiver system for UHF/VHF coverage

Strategic Growth and Ecosystem Expansion

Thuraya-4 is part of a wider Space42 ecosystem that includes three SAR satellites in the Foresight Earth Observation Constellation, the GIQ geospatial intelligence platform on Microsoft Azure, and an expanded satellite manufacturing capacity in the UAE. This positions Space42 as a key player in global satellite communications, bridging connectivity gaps and enabling new commercial and government applications.

With Thuraya-4, Space42 is not just delivering satellites—it is redefining how governments, businesses, and individuals can access reliable, secure, and adaptive communications worldwide.