Qatar’s first satellite, Es’Hail-1, was launched in August as a joint-venture with Eutelsat.  Now the company’s chief strategy officer says the nation’s second craft will launch by 2016.

Es’Hail is issuing a Request For Proposals (RFP) in order place a contract in Q2/2014, according to reports from Qatar. Es’Hail-2 would be smaller than Es’Hail-1, weighing about 3-tonnes.

Anthony Baker, Es’Hail’s chief strategy officer that the RFP would be issued following advice from consultants which was now taking place, and that the new communications satellite would be ordered for delivery into orbit within three years.

He also said that Es’Hail was examining the possible business opportunities for a third and fourth satellite in order for Es’Hail to become a more sustainable company.

Baker told journalists that ES’Hail-1 was still being tested, and would be used by local broadcasters.

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