Arabsat signs deal with China’s CGWIC to build ARABSAT-50 satellite

Details: John Tanner; Category: Satellite Networks; 25 September 2026; 1457 views

Saudi Arabia-based satellite operator Arabsat announced on Thursday it has signed an agreement with China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) to manufacture a new satellite, ARABSAT-50.

Based on CGWIC’s DFH-3E platform, ARABSAT-50 is a high-power Ku-band satellite designed to support and ensure the continuity of direct-to-home (DTH) television broadcasting services in the Middle East at the 26° East orbital position.

ARABSAT-50 is also designed to enhance continuity and disaster recovery plans by providing flexible backup solutions to support operations across Arabsat’s satellite fleet orbital positions, particularly at 26° East, addressing the satellite operator’s future Ku-band requirements.

Arabsat said the satellite’s design incorporates operational flexibility that enables redistribution or modification of beam and channel frequencies according to operational requirements, enhancing capacity management efficiency and ensuring service continuity.

Arabsat also said the name of the satellite was chosen to mark the operator’s 50th anniversary. Arabsat – which is wholly owned by the Arab League – was launched by 21 Arab countries in 1976, making it the first provider of satellite services in the Arab world.