In a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), the Egyptian operator Nilesat will build the Nilesat-301 geostationary communications satellite. The satellite is based on the Spacebus 4000-B2 platform and will weigh about 4 metric tons at the launch, which is scheduled for the first quarter of 2022. Nilesat-301 will work with Nilesat-201 to provide Ku-band services for the Middle East and North Africa. It will also help extend the company's provision of Ku-band communications and direct digital broadcasting services in two new large regions of Africa, while also providing broadband Ku-band connectivity all over Egypt. 'This achievement proves that our telecommunications offer perfectly replies to the telecom market's needs and that we are perfectly capable of providing tailored solutions that meet each operator's specific requirements, to enhance global connectivity and reduce the digital divide,' said Thales Alenia Space President and Chief Executive Officer Jean-Lo?c Galle.