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Thuraya-3 satellite to be launched today

ABU DHABI — With the launch of its third satellite today, Thuraya, the world's largest provider of handheld mobile satellite services, is getting ready to commercially operate in Asia-Pacific markets as early as January 2008.

Thuraya's expansion towards East Asia will allow it to provide its proven and highly affordable voice, IP and rural telephony services to thousands of private, public and business customers in the densely populated Asian region.

Based on flight-proven 702 model, Thuraya-3 is the third and latest Geo-mobile satellite manufactured by Boeing for Thuraya, and will be launched by US-based Sea Launch. The first two satellites, Thuraya-1 and 2, which were the largest commercial satellites ever launched in their times, were launched in year 2000 and 2003 respectively.

Following three weeks of pre-launch activities, the Sea Launch team has arrived at the launch site on the Equator in the Pacific Ocean and has initiated a 72-hour countdown in preparation for the launch of Thuraya-3 satellite. Liftoff is planned at the opening of a 44-minute window, at 15:37 GMT (7:37 PM UAE time). Launch operations are now underway at the launch site, at 154 degrees West Longitude.