Hughes Wins $1 Billion Arab Satellite Contract

On Thursday, El Segundo-based Hughes Space and Communications International signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi-based Thuraya to design, construct and launch a satellite system to cover Arab states and the Indian subcontinent by 2000 at an estimated cost of $1 billion. The system will provide mobile communications to Iran, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, and parts of Europe and central Asia.

A significant portion of the $1 billion contract may be spent in California. In addition to the El Segundo satellite operation, which could play a large part in the construction of the two spacecraft, the contract also anticipates hand-held communications devices which could be produced at least in part at Hughes facilities in San Diego.

Volume 4, Bulletin 30 -- September 11, 1997