UAE satellite operator Yahsat has chosen SpaceX to launch a pair of geostationary communications satellites as part of a $1.1 billion program. Yahsat announced on July 1 that it had chosen SpaceX to launch Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5 satellites with Falcon 9 rockets in 2027 and 2028, respectively. The companies did not disclose the cost of the launch contract.

Yahsat signed a contract with Airbus Defense and Space to build two satellites in June after starting the spacecraft’s design a year ago. The spacecraft uses the Eurostar Neo bus and will provide broadband services to the Middle East, Europe and Asia, replacing Al Yah 1 and 2.

“With the successful completion of launch contracts with SpaceX and the recently announced design and manufacturing contract with Airbus, Yahsat is well positioned to sign a final contract with the UAE government, the main customer for the Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5 programme,” Yahsat Group Chief Executive Officer Ali Al Hashemi said in a statement.

In September 2023, the United Arab Emirates government selected Yahsat for a US$5.1 billion deal to provide broadband services until at least 2043 using new satellites. The deal called for a $1 billion down payment in 2024 to finance the satellites, launch, ground infrastructure and insurance.

Yahsat did not say why it chose SpaceX or what other companies it was considering for the satellites. Several other vehicles currently in development or entering service today, including Arianespace’s Ariane 6, Blue Origin’s New Glenn, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ H3 and United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur, are expected to be available by 2027. But those vehicles are also saddled with outstanding commercial and government contracts that could limit their ability to win new business.

The June contract for Al Yahsat 4 and 5 included two low Earth orbit satellites based on Airbus’ Arrow bus, which Al Hashemi said would support Yahsat’s “future direction of providing multi-orbit satellite solutions to its customers.” The company has not announced launch plans for those LEO satellites.