System Architecture

A Superior Mobile Satellite System

Thuraya-1 satellite was launched on 21st October 2000; on board a Sea Launch Zenit-3SL rocket from the equator in the middle of the Pacific Ocean .It was the heaviest commercial payload ever launched and the first commercial satellite to employ digital beam forming. Thuraya's commercial services began in a gradual roll out in a number of countries in 2001.

Thuraya's second satellite Thuraya 2 was launched on the 10th of June 2003 while a third satellite is being built by Boeing Satellite Systems to expand system capacity.

The Thuraya mobile satellite system is a turnkey project built by Boeing Satellite Systems, formerly Hughes Space and Communications International, Inc. (HSCI), at the cost of US$ 1 billion. Designed for a 12-15 year lifespan, the Thuraya 2 satellite is positioned in Geosynchronous Orbit, 35,786 km (22,236 miles) above the Earth, at 44 degrees East Longitude and inclined at 6.3 degrees. The contract includes manufacture of two high power geo-synchronous satellites, the launch of the first satellite, manufacture and installation of the ground network equipment, the manufacture of nearly a quarter of a million mobile handsets and the project insurance.

Thuraya's system has been adapted for efficient operation in both satellite and GSM environments. It provides high flexibility in managing network resources through a re-programmable satellite payload. This supports modifications to the system's coverage area even in the post-launch period and optimises performance over high demand areas.

Thuraya's satellites have been specially designed to achieve network capacity of about 13,750 telephone channels. Thuraya's hand held mobile terminals are comparable to GSM handsets in terms of size and appearance, as well as in voice quality.

Space Segment

The Space Segment comprises one operational satellite (the Thuraya 2) positioned in Geosynchronous Orbit, 35,786 km (22,236 miles) above the Earth, at 44 degrees East Longitude and inclined at 6.3 degrees.

The first operational satellite was successfully launched on the 21st October 2000 and full commercial service began in a gradual roll out starting from April 2001 in many countries in Thuraya's coverage area. Thuraya's second satellite Thuraya 2 was launched on the 10th of June 2003 while a third satellite is being built by Boeing Satellite Systems to expand system capacity.

The Thuraya Geo satellite, which constitutes the Space Segment, is operated and managed by a sophisticated and integrated ground network known as the Ground Segment. The Ground Segment includes the Satellite Operation Centre, which monitors and controls satellite movement, ensuring the overall and ongoing maintenance of satellites in geo-synchronous orbit. 

User Segment

The User Segment comprises the user terminals which enables subscribers to interface with the satellite system and obtain network access.

Thuraya offers hand-held, vehicular and fixed terminals to cater to the needs of its subscribers.

Thuraya's dual mode handsets -GSM and satellite integrates terrestrial and satellite services, expanding the boundaries of local telecom providers and allowing customers to roam vast areas without transmission interruption or failure.

The mobile communication services offered by Thuraya supports the use of advanced dual-mode terminals (GSM and Satellite) that is small and elegant in shape. Thuraya's services are voice, fax, data, short messaging and location determination (GPS).

The Ground Segment comprises of the Primary Gateway and the Regional Gateways.

A Primary Gateway,  situated in Sharjah, UAE, is responsible for Thuraya's entire network, in addition to serving as the MSS's main digital exchange. Individual Regional gateways could be established later in other countries as necessary.

The Primary Gateway comprises of the satellite control facilities and the Gateway Station.