Satellites

Thuraya employs three geostationary satellites in their network.

Thuraya-1 was launched in 2000 and became the Middle East’s first mobile telecommunications satellite. Thuraya-1 is the first satellite developed by Boeing that integrated satellite power with a ground segment and user handsets to provide a range of voice and data services. GSM-compatible mobile handsets transmit and receive calls through a single 12.25-meter-aperture reflector. The satellite employs state-of-the-art on-board digital signal processing to create more than 200 spot beams that can be redirected on-orbit, allowing the Thuraya system to adapt to business demands in real time. Calls are routed directly from one handheld unit to another, or to a terrestrial network. The system has the capacity for 13,750 simultaneous voice circuits.

Thuraya-3 was launched in 2008 expanding their network across Asia and Australia. This also market the launch of Thuraya IP, fast, portable and tough satellite broadband modems. Thuraya-2 was launched in 2003.

Thuraya 2 and 3 have redesigned solar arrays, as the original concentrator arrays have a fogging problem reducing the performance.

Ground Segment

The Thuraya ground segment includes terrestrial gateways plus a collocated network operations center and satellite control facility in the United Arab Emirates.

References:

• Web.Archive.Ord ~ Boeing
• Gunter’s Space Page

Videos

Thuraya’s Satellite Communication Explained

Thuraya – Why Do You Need Mobile Satellite Services (MSS)?

Thuraya – How Does Thuraya Expand the BYOD Capabilities of Your Smart Device?