Egypt is launching this Friday its first communication satellite into orbit as government seeks to improve internet service and communication infrastructure, Reuters reports.
Named Tiba-1, the satellite is due for launching from a space center in French Guiana and the takeoff is expected at 21:08 GMT.
The 5.6-ton satellite will be in orbit for 15 years and monitored by the Egyptian Space Agency.
Once in orbit, the Tiba-1 will provide Egypt with a parallel communications network alongside the current land network and a strong telecommunications infrastructure that will spark economic growth.
Built by Airbus and Thales Alenia Space (TAS), Tiba-1 will also cover a number of neighboring Arab and African countries, Reuters reports.
