Thales Alenia Space signs contract with Qatar's Es'hailSat for software-defined broadband satellite

Thales Alenia Space, the joint venture of Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), announced a contract with Qatar’s satellite operator Es’hailSat to build a next‑generation software‑defined satellite called Eshail‑3/Türksat‑Biruni. The satellite will use Thales’ Space INSPIRE platform, enabling real‑time in‑orbit reconfiguration and the integration of hosted payloads for both commercial and governmental use.

The satellite, to be operated jointly with Turkish operator Türksat, is designed to provide high‑speed broadband connectivity across Europe, Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East. Thales Alenia Space will act as prime contractor, handling design, manufacturing, testing, ground segment and delivery. The programme benefits from support by the French space agency CNES, the European Space Agency, and the UK Space Agency.

Es’hailSat’s CEO Ali Ahmed Al‑Kuwari highlighted the contract as a milestone for Qatar’s communications infrastructure, while Thales Alenia Space CEO Hervé Derrey noted the deal showcases the company’s capability to deliver fully digital, re‑programmable satellites.