Egypt ready to launch its first communication satellite

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Egypt will launch its first communication satellite into orbit on Friday.

Tiba-1 is due to lift off at 21:08 GMT (01:08 AM Saturday, UAE time) from a space centre in French Guiana.

The 5.6-tonne satellite, developed by Airbus and French Thales Alenia Space, will remain in orbit for at least 15 years.

Officials say it will cover all parts of Egypt and provide telecommunication and internet services for remote and isolated areas as well.

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