Astrium was chosen by the Egyptian radio and TV union Nilesat to provide two direct-broadcast satellites in orbit and two control centres (in Cairo and Alexandria). Nilesat 101 was launched in 1998 and Nilesat 102 in 2000.
The Nilesat satellites are able to transmit more than 100 channels of digital television directly to home antennas of only 60 cm in diameter.
Coverage extends from Morocco in the West to the Arabian Gulf in the East, with high power concentrated over the largest cities and the areas of greatest population density.
The communications payloads, supplied by Alcatel Space, comprise 12 Ku-band repeaters and one transmit antenna with a 2.3 m diameter deployable reflector.
