Summary
Egypt has successfully launched a new satellite dubbed Nilesat 301 on the SpaceX rocket Falcon 9 from Florida.
The launching and the separation of Egypt’s new satellite Nilesat 301 from the Space X Falcon 9 rocket was broadcasted live. The new satellite was successfully launched into space at 11:03 pm Cairo Local Time, and the first signal was received after 38 minutes from liftoff.
Nilesate 301, with a projected lifespan of at least 15 years, will replace Nilesat 201, which will expire in 2028.
The new satellite will provide an expanded broadband internet service to cover Egypt, including remote areas, new projects, infrastructure projects, and new urban communities, as well as gas and oil fields in the eastern Mediterranean.
It will also cover southern African and Nile River Basin countries, aiming to achieve greater communication with the peoples of the African continent in line with the directions of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi in deepening Egyptian-African relations
The last satellite launched by Egypt was Tiba-1, and it was sent to outer space from France in November 2019.
The satellite lies 37 kilometers above earth level, and is controlled from Egypt. Qosy said that the satellite performs audio call services, and will later provide internet services.