NewSat has signed a contract with Arianespace to launch its Jabiru-1 satellite in the second half of 2014.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems will develop the satellite which is based on its A2100 series platform and will have an in-orbit life of 15 years.

Jabiru-1 will incorporate an advanced Ka-band payload which will provide high-powered satellite coverage across growth regions over the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

The satellite will offer greater than 7 GHz of Ka-band capacity and provide high-bandwidth communication services.

Government and enterprise markets, including mining, oil, gas, media and carrier-grade telecommunications, across countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and India, will benefit from these services.