Arab Satellite Communications Organization (ARABSAT)

The Arab Satellite Communications Organization (ARABSAT) is an intergovernmental satellite operator established in 1976 by Arab states to provide telecommunications and television broadcasting services across the Arab region. The organization is owned by its member countries and operates on a cooperative, non-commercial basis alongside commercial satellite operators.

The first ARABSAT spacecraft, Arabsat-1A, was launched on 8 February 1985. As of January 2023, ARABSAT had 21 member countries and operated seven active geostationary satellites, located primarily at the 20°E, 26°E, and 30.5°E orbital positions. Arabsat-7B was launched on 27 May 2023, and a further satellite launch is planned for 2026, following a manufacturing contract signed with Thales Alenia Space in April 2022.

Earlier spacecraft, including Arabsat-1A and Arabsat-1B, were withdrawn from service in 1992 and 1993, respectively.