Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has been awarded a contract to deliver the Es'hail 2 communications satellite to operator Qatar Satellite Company (Es'hailSat) in Doha. In-orbit delivery is scheduled for the end of 2016.

Mitsubishi Electric is the first Japanese satellite manufacturer to enter the Arab commercial communications satellite market.

With a more than 15-year design life, the Es'hail 2 satellite will offer direct broadcasting services throughout the Middle East and North Africa of television stations such as Al Jazeera and beIN SPORTS. From the orbital position at 26 degrees east longitude, its Ku-band and Ka-band capabilities will also provide government communication services.

Moreover, Es'hail 2 will provide the world's first geostationary amateur radio service.

"We are delighted to move forward with our new satellite procurement program with Mitsubishi Electric. Es'hail 2 demonstrates the commitment of both our companies to providing premium satellite capacity for broadcasters in the MENA region and to building a sustainable satellite industry for the State of Qatar," said Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari, Chief Executive Officer of Es'hailSat.

The satellite will be built on Mitsubishi Electric's DS2000 satellite bus platform, a fully proven modular platform with the flexibility to handle a broad range of payload applications.

As the sixteenth member of the DS2000 family of satellites, the Es'hail 2 will further demonstrate the platform's well-established reputation for highly reliable in-orbit performance. Mitsubishi Electric will also deliver the ground systems and training services in order to provide Es'hailSat a full turnkey solution.

Es'hailSat (http://www.eshailsat.qa/) is the Qatari national satellite operator. The commercially run company offers broadcasting and communications solutions. Es'hail is the Arabic name of a star visible in late summer, said to be a happy omen of fine weather.

Mitsubishi Electric has been a leading manufacturer contributing to space research and development in Japan, participating in the production of more than 500 domestic and international satellites as the prime contractor or a major subcontractor.