Recent local press reports, along with news from satellite launch company Arianespace, indicate that Egypt has successfully launched the telecommunications satellite TIBA- 1.
Named after Thebes, or Tiba in Arabic, an ancient Egyptian capital whose ruins lie within the modern southern city of Luxor, the satellite is expected to boost internet and telecommunication services across the country. TIBA-1 is also expected to contribute to developing health, education, and energy fields, as well as improving services in government sectors across Egypt.
The launch, apparently delayed twice due to technical issues, was from the Guiana Space Centre (CSG), Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, on 26 November.
The 5.6-tonne satellite, made by Airbus and Thales Alenia Space (TAS), will remain in orbit for at least 15 years. Owned and operated by the government of Egypt, TIBA-1 will be able to provide services not just to Egypt but, potentially, to some neighbouring states.
TIBA-1 is a civil and government telecommunication satellite for Egypt. It was developed by Thales Alenia Space and Airbus Defence and Space as co-prime contractors, with Thales Alenia Space acting as the consortium’s lead partner.
Airbus Defence and Space supplied the platform and also assembled and tested the spacecraft. Thales Alenia Space, as lead partner, designed and built the communications payload, which will provide broadband communications in Ka-band.
TIBA-1 will be the fourth satellite launched by Arianespace for Egypt. It will be deployed by Arianespace into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), subsequently transitioning to its operational orbital slot position at 35.5° East.
