Rascomstar-Qaf to launch new satellite

Rascomstar-Qaf will boost its pan-African connectivity by launching a new satellite in May, two years after launching the Rascomstar-QAF1 that is expected to stop working by the end of this year.

Rascomstar-QAF1 was launched in December 2007 but had a helium leak, reducing its lifespan from the projected 15 years to three years. The satellite was launched by French company Ariane Space, which is going to launch the replacement.

"The replacement satellite will be known as Rascomstar-QAF1R and the insurance company is going to cater for all the costs; we had envisaged such challenges," said Faraj Elamari, the CEO of Rascomstar-QAF.

The story of Rascomstar satellites started in 1993 when 45 African countries joined forces to launch it. Soon they encountered challenges and had to invite other investors. Libya Africa Investment Portfolio (LAIP) and Thales Alenia Space joined Rascom and formed Rascomstar-QAF.

"We found it easier to form a company because it is easier to obtain loans when it is a company compared to an inter-governmental body; and it is easier to make decisions too," said Jones Killimbe, director general of shareholder Rascom.

Killimbe and Elamari admitted that Africa is in dire need of connectivity solutions, given that the continent still relies heavily on international transit through Europe or the U.S.

Despite the abbreviated lifespan of the first satellite, it has allowed the company to train engineers through their partners in France. Currently the satellite stations in Cameroon and Libya are manned by African engineers.