Mubasher: Airbus said that Egypt’s communications satellite TIBA-1 left its defence and space clean rooms in Toulouse, according to the European aeronautics giant’s website.

The spacecraft, developed by Airbus and Thales Alenia Space (TAS), a major European satellite maker, was sent to French Guiana, before its launch from Kourou on Ariane 5, a heavy-lift launch vehicle, to deliver it in orbit.

TIBA-1, designed to remain in service for over 15 years, will have a launch mass of 5,600 kilogrammes (kg) and an electric power capability of more than nine kilowatts (kw).

Airbus provided the platform of its satellite model Eurostar E3000, while it built and tested the spacecraft.