Abu Dhabi is all set to launch its first ever commercial satellite developed by Yahsat, the telecommunications company. As the satellite has been fitted to a rocket, officials get ready for its launch from South America later this week.

According to Yahsat or the Al Yah Satellite Communications Co. officials the satellite will undergo a number of tests and launch run-throughs prior to be placed into position from French Guiana. The take-off is scheduled for Thursday at 3am UAE time and the satellite will be carried by the Ariane 5 rocket, built by the European Space Agency. However the successful launches of all satellites launched from the Arianespace centre on schedule is only about 15 percent, mostly within three-day framework.

The satellite which has a wingspan of 30 meters, weighing around three metric tons, is expected to air commercial television and broadband internet services to almost 20 countries across Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Apart from these services the satellite is also believed to provide communication services for the defence sectors to all those nations.

Before setting off, the rocket and its boosters will be supplied with 25 tonnes of hydrogen and 130 tonnes of liquid oxygen to drive the missile into its designated orbit of 36,000km above the sea level.