Thales Alenia Space announced the signing of a contract with Es’hailSat, the Qatar Satellite Company, to develop a new generation software-defined satellite based on the Space INSPIRE (INstant SPace In-orbit REconfiguration) platform by Thales Alenia Space.
Named Eshail-3/Türksat-Biruni, this satellite will offer high-speed broadband connectivity services across Europe, Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East, shared with Turkish satellite operator Türksat.
Eshail-3/Türksat-Biruni will rely on Space INSPIRE, a highly flexible and fully software-defined solution offering instant in-orbit adjustment to broadband connectivity demands, while optimizing the use of satellite resources. Es’hailSat will leverage the satellite’s flexibility to offer enhanced communications services throughout its lifespan in orbit.
As prime contractor, Thales Alenia Space is responsible for the design, manufacturing, testing, and on-ground delivery of the satellite, as well as for the ground segment and associated services.
“The signing of this contract with Thales Alenia Space marks a defining moment for Es’hailSat and for Qatar’s ambitions as a leading satellite service provider. Eshail-3/Türksat-Biruni will not only expand our coverage and capabilities into new strategic markets, but also strengthen the resilience and independence of Qatar’s communications infrastructure,” said Mr. Ali Ahmed Al-Kuwari, President and CEO at Es’hailSat.
Hervé Derrey, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space, said: “This contract is significant for Thales Alenia Space as it recognizes our ability to offer an innovative, fully digitalized telecommunications satellite that can be reprogrammed in orbit, along with the capability to integrate hosted payloads serving both commercial and governmental requirements.”
The Space INSPIRE product line was developed with the help of French space agency CNES and the Programme d’Investissements d’Avenir (PIA). Several components from European companies for the product line also had support from the European Space Agency (ESA) via two ARTES (Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems) programs (Competitiveness & Growth and the Partnership Project, Novacom II) within the ESA Connectivity and Secure Communications directorate. The UK Space Agency supported the development of the electrical propulsion module.
Headquartered in Doha, Qatar, Es’hailSat is a prominent player in the satellite industry. Established in 2010, the company has been at the forefront of managing and developing Qatar’s space presence, leveraging cutting-edge innovations to provide advanced satellite services globally.
With a vision of becoming a global satellite operator and service provider, Es’hailSat has embraced modern advancements in the industry. By harnessing state-of-the-art technology, the company offers independent, high-quality satellite services that cater to the evolving needs of broadcasters, businesses, and governments across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond.
Thales Alenia Space leverages a unique combination of skills, technological expertise, and industrial capabilities to deliver innovative solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, defense, exploration, science, and orbital infrastructures - drawing on 50 years of proven experience.
Institutions, governments, and private industry rely on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere, connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, explore our Solar System, and unlock the mysteries of the Universe.
A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of solutions including services.
Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of €2.36 billion in 2025 and has more than 8,000 employees in 7 countries with 14 sites in Europe. (Photo - Left to Right: Mr. Ahmet Hamdi Atalay, CEO Türksat; H.E. Mr. Essa bin Hilal Al-Kuwari, Chairman Es’hailSat; H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar; Mr. Ali Ahmed Al-Kuwari, President & CEO Es’hailSat; Mr. Hervé Derrey, CEO Thales Alenia Space)
