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 The
satellite was reported to be fine, and on May
9, Yahsat sent its first command to the satellite
after taking over control from the ground station
at A Falah in Abu Dhabi, Emirates News Agency
WAM reported.
The event also marked the first time Yahsat's
team of Emirati engineers has controlled Y1A,
a task many have spent the past 18 months preparing
for.
"This is a defining moment for our team
as, in taking command of Y1A, Yahsat has become
a true satellite operator," said Jassem Mohamed
Al Zaabi, CEO of Yahsat and Executive Director
of Mubadala Information, Communications and Technology.
"We issued the first command this afternoon,
and Y1A responded well. For the next several weeks,
our team will be testing Yahsat's control systems
and evaluating the satellite's functionality,
which so far appear excellent," WAM quoted
him as saying.
Y1A is now at its final orbital position at
52.5 degrees east.
The French manufacturers along with Yahsat's
operators will spend the next several weeks testing
every aspect of Y1A's functionality before its
systems are activated for its dual commercial
and military missions.
"I would like to express my pride and gratitude
during this moment of achievement," said
Jassem Mohamed Al Zaabi had stated at the launch.
"This success is the direct result of the
unwavering vision, dedication and hard work of
our leadership, Mubadala, the UAE Armed Forces
and the entire Y ahsat team", Emirates News
Agency WAM quoted him as saying.
The $ 4 billionYahsat is part of the $ 25 billion
Mubadala, an investment arm of the emirate of
Abu Dhabi, the key constituent of the 7-member
federation of United Arab Emirates (UAE). Mubadala
has interests in aerospace, oil, markets, communications
and media and is chaired by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince
and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed
Forces Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan.
Once operational, Y1A will provide tri-band
connectivity in Ku, Ka and C bands for DTH broadcast,
broadband and other communications. A second satellite
in the series, Y1B, would be launched next year.
Their footprint would cover the earth from parts
of north-western India and Pakistan till North
Africa and Europe over some 85 countries.
UAE has achieved impressive milestones in modernity
ever since its independence in December 1971,
setting up excellent road, air, telecom, and business
infrastructure with the key being “on the
best.” Even in agriculture and ecology, UAE
has planted some 250 million trees over the last
40 years, thanks to the vision of late President
Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan.
About the entry of UAE into the space arena,
said Waleed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi, Chairman of
Yahsat and Chief Operating Officer of Mubadala
Development Company: "The launch of Y1A is
hugely important for Mubadala and Abu Dhabi. Satellite
communications are an integral component in establishing
the world-class information and communication
infrastructure that will support the continued
economic diversification of the Emirate.
“The successful launch of Y1A is a tremendous
step forward in delivering an advanced technology
and communications offering based here in Abu
Dhabi."
"For the next 15 years, the satellite will
be high above us, transmitting data and voice
to more than 80 countries in the Middle East,
Southeast Asia and Africa. The launch exemplifies
the extent to which the UAE's quest for technological
excellence and economic diversity has evolved",
said Dubai's leading daily Gulf News in an editorial.
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