Nawaf Afet Okaz/Saudi Gazette RIYADH – King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat) signed deals worth $650 million to manufacture and launch two communication satellites. The contracts were awarded to the US aer0space giant Lockheed Martin and Aryan Space. Dr. Turki Bin Saud, president of KACST, said the city will launch the two satellites within two years. The city has so far launched 13 satellites. Saudi male and female engineers will take part in the manufacturing process. He said Lockheed Martin's proven record of developing and delivering state-of-the-art space communications capabilities will ensure the Kingdom's critical telecommunications needs are met. “KACST and Arabsat collectively selected the best and latest technology for their satellites and KACST will elevate local satellite technologies competency through the joint venture with Lockheed Martin and TAQNIA Space Company,” said Prince Turki. Khalid Balkheyour, CEO of Arabsat, said that the Arabsat 6A and Hellas-Sat-4/SaudiGeoSat-1 will join a fleet of satellites that provides millions of people access to TV, radio and broadband services for mobile and landline communications. “We selected Lockheed Martin to build these satellites due to the impressive technical capabilities and proven track record of the A2100 satellite,” he added.
