Arabsat launches BADR-8 satellite into orbit

Washington, May 27 (BNA): Arabsat, one of the leading providers of satellite services in the Arab world, today launched Badr-8 from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, after four days of delay due to heavy cloud cover. The Falcon 9 rocket launched from SpaceX with the Badr 8 communications satellite of Arabsat.

According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the nearly 10,000-pound (4.5 metric ton) Badr 8 communications satellite will provide broadcast TV, video relay, and data services across the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and Central Asia.

Arabsat says its investment in the Badr 8 program is about $300 million, including the spacecraft manufacturing contract with Airbus, the launch agreement with SpaceX, insurance, and ground infrastructure.

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