Space42 Unveils Thuraya-4 to Strengthen Mobile Satellite Services

UAE-based SpaceTech firm Space42 has launched its next-generation mobile communications satellite, Thuraya-4 (T4-NGS), expanding service reach to more than 100 countries across Europe, Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East. The operator has added markets including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia, broadening its international footprint.

Thuraya-4 is built to combine connectivity and onboard intelligence, turning satellite links into a multi-sector platform. The deployment reinforces Space42’s role in non-terrestrial networks and is supported by a 15-year government contract valued at USD 708 million, which underpins the company’s mobile satellite services offering.

Advanced Technology for Diverse Environments

Using the L-band spectrum, Thuraya-4 is designed to provide continuous communications over land, sea and air, including areas with limited ground infrastructure. The satellite targets use cases from Mediterranean maritime operations to energy projects across Africa and aviation communications, enabling near real-time data exchange where terrestrial networks cannot reach.

Built on the Airbus Eurostar Neo platform and launched in January 2025, Thuraya-4 ranks among the largest mobile communications satellites in orbit. Notable technical features include:

• 12-metre reflector antenna combined with onboard signal processing to broaden coverage

• Software-defined architecture that allows flexible bandwidth management

• Throughput above 1 Mbps with the ability to update capacity via software while in orbit

• Support for IoT and Direct-to-Device connections, reducing dependence on specialised terminals

A Suite of 16 Innovative Products

The Thuraya-4 platform is accompanied by 16 tailored products aimed at different sectors:

• Land: IP NEO M/C for broadband mobility (COTP) and Commander NEO for secure field operations

• Broadband Data: Voyager NEO for on-the-move connectivity (COTM)

• Maritime: Orion NEO for offshore and seaborne communications

• Airborne: T320, T420 and T220 devices for fixed-wing, rotary and unmanned aircraft

• Deployable Networks: Mobile Gateway M/C NEO with IP handset for rapid, temporary connectivity

• Beyond Line of Sight: T-TAC tactical transceiver suite providing UHF/VHF reach

Strategic Growth and Ecosystem Expansion

Thuraya-4 is integrated into a broader Space42 ecosystem that includes three synthetic-aperture radar satellites in the Foresight Earth Observation Constellation, the GIQ geospatial intelligence platform on Microsoft Azure, and increased satellite manufacturing capacity in the UAE. These elements position Space42 to close connectivity gaps and support new commercial and government applications.

With Thuraya-4, Space42 aims to offer governments, enterprises and individuals more reliable, secure and adaptable communications on a global scale.