Lockheed Martin Set to Assemble, Test Satellite for 2 Saudi Customers

Lockheed Martin said in a press release on Thursday it has integrated updated components for the Hellas-Sat-4/SaudiGeoSat-1 satellite and will begin final assembly and testing of the spacecraft for two customers in Saudi Arabia.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — A launch date has been scheduled for the second half of 2018, according to the release.

"Built for Arabsat and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia, the satellite will provide advanced telecommunications capabilities, including television, internet, telephone and secure mode communications, to customers in the Middle East, Africa and Europe," the release said on Thursday.

The release explained that the spacecraft is designated by Lockheed Martin as the A2100 satellite. It has a hybrid propulsion system consisting of electric powered thrusters and a liquid apogee engine system that is designed for maneuvering the satellite it into its final orbit and keeping there.

Arabsat, founded in 1976 by the Arab League, is headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and transmits 500 TV channels, 200 radio stations, pay-TV networks and HD channels to 80 countries across the Middle East, Africa and Europe.