Date set for launching of Saudi Arabian satellite SGS-1

RIYADH: The launching of Saudi Communication Satellite KA (SGS-1) from a base in Kourou, an oversees commune in French Guiana, South America, has been set for Feb. 5, according to Saudi Press Agency.

Local reports have said technical preparations for launching the satellite on the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 11:55 local time are underway at the King Abdel Aziz City for Science and Technology with the participation of other beneficiaries in the Kingdom.

Global defense firm Lockheed Martin has manufactured, tested and operated the satellite with the participation of Saudi engineers and scientists, who had been trained in order to be able to work and contribute to the satellite project.

The launching of the satellite comes afterefforts of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, as well as the kingdom’s Minister of Defense, who oversaw the the stages of manufacture during visits to Lockheed Martin’s San Fransisco headquarters in April 2018.

During the visit, the crown prince signed the final piece to be placed on the Saudi satellite before its launch with the words “above the clouds.”