Egypt Advances In Satellite Project

CAIRO [MENL] -- Egypt has been advancing in the procurement and launch of an
advance communications satellite.
Egypt's satellite company, NileSat, has signed an agreement with
France's Thales Alenia Space for a new satellite. The accord stipulated that
Thales Alenia assemble the Nilesat-201 broadcasting communication satellite
as well as associated services and ground stations.
"NileSat-201 will contribute into the boost development in the dynamic
broadcasting markets in the Middle East and North Africa, which is
represented by the currently existing 435 TV channels delivered by Nilesat
satellites at 7ºW the hot spot of the region'" NileSat chief executive
officer Amin Basyouni said. "This mission surely would need a reliable
platform
as the one provided by Thales Alenia Space, which has earned an impressive
reputable heritage in the satellites market."
Thales Alenia Space has been designated prime contractor of NileSat-201,
designed to contain 24 BSS Ku-band transponders. Executives said the company
would be responsible for the design, manufacturing, test and in-orbit
acceptance of the satellite. Thales Alenia Space was also contracted to
provide satellite and mission control system for the NileSat stations in
both Cairo and Alexandria.