Deputy Minister: New satellite projects expected in future
The main goal of launching the Azerspace-2 satellite was to replace Azerspace-1 for its further long-term exploitation, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rovshan Rustamov said in a comment on issues related to the possibility of launching Azerbaijan’s new telecommunications satellites into orbit, Report informs.
He noted that after launching into near-earth orbit, Azerspace-2 has assumed the reserve role of Azerspace-1 telecommunications satellite: “Satellite projects are being implemented constantly. The launch of satellites largely depends on market demand. Naturally, there will be new satellite projects.”
Three Azerbaijani satellites have been launched into orbit, performing various tasks.
In 2013, the telecommunications satellite Azerspace-1 was launched into low-earth orbit, in 2018 – Azerspace-2, and in 2014 – Azersky. The service life of AzerSpace-1 and Azerspace-2 is 17 and 15 years respectively.
Azerspace-1 and Azerspace-2 can provide digital broadcasting and Internet access services, create VSAT networks, transmit data and provide government communications. Their range covers a large number of regions – East, Central and West Africa, Europe and Central Asia.
The Azersky satellite was acquired by Azerbaijan within the framework of the contract between Azercosmos and the French company Airbus Defense and Space. This satellite allows for remote observation of the earth’s surface and has the necessary power to obtain high-quality images on an area of 6 million square meters during the day.
Some 80% of Azerspace-1 satellite revenues and 98% of Azersky satellite revenues are formed in foreign markets.