Saudi Arabia to launch its 16th satellite today: report

Saudi Arabia will launch its 16th satellite, namely The Saudi Geostationary Satellite 1 (SGS-1), into space today, Arab News reported.

SGS-1 will provide telecommunications capabilities, stronger internet connectivity, TV and secure communications in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.

Developed by a team from King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), it will be launched in French Guiana by Arianespace, which provides launch services for all types of satellites.

Read: KACST to launch telecom satellite in February

KACST collaborated with global defense solutions provider, Lockheed Martin, to manufacture the SGS-1, the report added.

The SGS-1 was manufactured, tested and operated with the participation of Saudi engineers and scientists.

The agreement of the launch service between Arianespace, Arabsat and KACST was announced in 2015.