Posted: Thu, Aug 9, 2007, 8:14 AM ET (1214 GMT)
The two major European commercial satellite manufacturers have won a contract to develop two large communications satellites for a United Arab Emirates company. EADS Astrium and Thales Alenia Space teamed together to win the contract from the Al Yah Satellite Communications Company to develop the two Yahsat satellites and associated ground infrastructure in a deal valued at $1.66 billion. The satellites, which will serve both commercial and government customers in the region, will be delivered for launch in 2010. The Astrium/Thales team beat out a competing bid from Boeing Satellite Systems.

Related Links:

•  Space News article (subscription required)
•  Reuters article
•  Middle East Times article
•  AP article
•  EADS Astrium press release