Space42 (ADX: SPACE42), a UAE-based AI-powered space technology company, has begun commercial operations of its Thuraya-4 satellite in South Africa, extending advanced satellite connectivity to one of Africa’s most significant digital economies.
Operating through its Thuraya subsidiary, Space42 is delivering next-generation satellite services to sectors requiring uninterrupted communications, including energy, mining, maritime, civil government, and humanitarian operations. The technology provides connectivity in regions where conventional networks are unreliable or non-existent.
The South African expansion addresses increasing demand for infrastructure supporting digital accessibility and economic stability. Space42 stated it will collaborate with local partners to ensure services meet national objectives and comply with regulatory standards.
A February 5 launch event is expected to include senior government officials, with President Cyril Ramaphosa anticipated to attend alongside UAE diplomatic representatives and technology sector leaders.
Sulaiman Al Ali, Chief Commercial Officer at Space42, positioned the South African deployment as key to the company’s strategy in Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology and partnership development across Africa.
“Thuraya-4 extends secure satellite capability where connection is most essential,” Al Ali said, highlighting the service’s function in maintaining continuity for industry and government operations.
The Thuraya-4 satellite employs L-band architecture with software-defined capabilities enabling flexible bandwidth distribution, adaptive coverage, and integration with ground-based networks—features built to operate reliably in adverse weather and remote locations.
Elmuiz Saad, Senior Vice President of Commercial at Space42, connected the launch to South Africa’s Vision 2030 digital inclusion goals, noting continued investment would enhance capabilities across critical sectors.
“This deployment reflects Space42’s ongoing commitment to enabling industries and building resilience across Africa through secure satellite communications and integrated space solutions,” Saad said.
Space42 is also participating in the Map Africa initiative with Microsoft and Esri, working to develop detailed base maps spanning 54 countries and approximately 30 million square kilometers. The project supports infrastructure development, disaster readiness, climate response, and public services for an estimated 1.4 billion people.
Thuraya-4, operational since late 2025, ranks among the largest mobile satellite services communication satellites currently functioning. The satellite brings coverage to South Africa and other African nations for the first time, completing service availability across Europe, Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
Space42 intends to launch 16 new products designed for government and security agencies, emergency response teams, remote operations, maritime and aviation industries, and cross-border connectivity.
Formed in 2024 from the merger of Bayanat and Yahsat, Space42 operates through two divisions: Space Services, managing satellite operations, and Smart Solutions, integrating geospatial intelligence with artificial intelligence. Principal shareholders include G42, Mubadala, and IHC.
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