Qatar Satellite Company “Es’hailSat”

invests in satellite training program for engineers in Qatar

Doha, 10th June, 2012 – A delegation from Qatar Satellite Company Es’hailSat headed by Mr. Ali Ahmad Al-Kuwari, CEO, has recently completed a visit to Space Systems/Loral, the company manufacturing Es’hail 1, the country’s first satellite which is scheduled for launch in the second quarter of 2013. Es’hail 1 will share a spacecraft platform with the European satellite operator Eutelsat.

The Es’hailSat delegation visited Loral’s high-tech Palo Alto site in California to receive an update on the Es’hail 1 satellite manufacturing program and conducted a tour of the manufacturing facilities to view the satellite. The delegation also followed the progress in the two-year intensive satellite training program being given to four Es’hailSat engineering trainees.

The intensive satellite training program was agreed upon for the purpose of developing knowledgeable and sophisticated engineering staff to specify, oversee the manufacture of, launch and operate commercial communication satellites. The engineering candidates are rotating through skills development in various departments at Space Systems/Loral, following the Es’hail 1 satellite through design, manufacture, test and launch.

In this regard, Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari, Es’hailsat CEO expressed his happiness to be able to provide the first satellite training program in the country for these four promising engineers. He further mentioned that this investment in local talent underpins Es’hailsat’s mission to become a world-class satellite operator and center of excellence in the region and fully-supports the goals of Qatar’s 2030 Vision.

Al-Kuwari also mentioned that the objective from the forthcoming launch of Es’hail 1 and future satellites planned is to provide high quality, independent satellite services to customers throughout the Middle East and North Africa and to support Qatar’s commitment to meeting the sophisticated communications needs required to host FIFA’s World Cup in 2022.

On his part, John Celli, President of Space Systems/Loral noted that he was honored to have Mr. Al Kuwari and accompanying delegation visit their facility. He added that the value of hands on experience with satellite design, test and operation cannot be overestimated, and the trainees from Es’hailSat have shown great promise in their ability to contribute to their company’s success as a satellite operator in the Middle East.”