The partnership agreement between Thales Alenia Space, a major European satellite specialist, and the Mongolia Ministry of Digital Development and Communications, has been signed in the presence of the President of Mongolia, H.E. Mr Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh and the President of France, Mr Emmanuel Macron, during the Mongolian President’s state visit to France.
“It is a privilege for Thales Alenia Space to have been selected by the Ministry of Digital Development and Communications of Mongolia for providing its national satellite. We believe the project will be a key asset to bridge the digital divide, a strong vector of economic growth as well as a precious tool for sovereignty. We are also thrilled to embark into this long-term cooperation with Mongolia and support the country develop its space capabilities and services for the benefit of all its citizens,” said Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space.
Thales Alenia Space will be responsible for construction of a high-performance Ku Band satellite, to be named “Chinggis Sat” after Mongolia’s national hero Chinggis Khan. Once launched, the satellite will make high-speed internet available throughout Mongolia, including to those in rural areas and underserved nomadic communities, enabling easier and wider access to services such as telemedicine, e-learning, e-government services and supporting the growth of high value add sectors of the economy.
This landmark agreement follows the successful visit of President Macron to Mongolia in May – the first state visit by a French President to Mongolia – where both countries agreed to upgrade their relationship to the status of a strategic partnership and published a Joint Declaration which included commitments to strengthen bi-lateral ties in areas including geology, renewable energy, healthcare, education and the environment.
