On Thursday November 15 at 11:46 Doha time Falcon 9 rocket lifted off carrying Es’hailSat-2 satellite. Es’hail-2 satellite separated from the second stage of the Falcon 9 rocket at 00:18 Doha time on November 16 and the solar panels were fully deployed about 2 hours after liftoff said a report released by the Qatar Satellite Company Es’hailSat.
The report also stated that the spacecraft is currently in its transfer orbit, and Es’hailSat expects to bring the satellite in to commercial service at 26 E orbital positions by January 2019, upon completion of in orbit tests.
The successful launch of the Es’hailSat-2 was hailed by the President and CEO of Es’hailSat Ali Al Kuwari: “These are exciting times for Es’hailSat and Qatar. Es’hail-2 is the first fully operated satellite for Qatar and is a symbol of Qatar’s commitment to free secure and independent communication.”
Before the launch and when the rocket arrived at the SpaceX launch facility at the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida preparing for launch, he also pointed out that the launch of such rockets in the space is not an easy matter but Qatar’s preparation was at the highest level dealing with best manufacturers and operators. “Launching rockets into space is an inherently risky business, but working with the extremely competent people at SpaceX, we are optimistic about the chances of a successful launch” Al Kuwari emphasised.
The successful launch of the satellite has proved Qatar’s leading role in the field of communication technology in the region. No doubt that this second launch and successful achievement that is tantamount to a quantum jump for the protection of television channels from strays because it has sophisticated anti-jamming capabilities while it will also ensure greater independence for broadcasting media content to the public as well as providing services to business and government sectors with secure communications across the MENA region.
It is important to point out here that the launch of the first and second version of Es’hailSat have came as part of the implementation of Qatar National Vision 2030, and they will play essential role in true implementation of the national vision.
For Qatar, implementation of such plans under the current siege imposed by its closet neighbouring countries shows the zero impact of the pre-planned action of the siege to hinder Qatar’s march to development.
On the other hand, this siege experience and related cyber attack on the official website of state news agency and TV channel meant for Qatar an additional motive to accelerate its efforts aiming to build a national space industry that ensures provision of satellite platforms and create networks which provide services in the MENA region and beyond.
