Azerbaijan, Turkey to jointly manufacture micro and nano-satellites
By Nazrin Gadimova
Azerbaijan and Turkey are considering the possibility of mutual scientific and technical support in the production of micro- and nano-satellites, Azercosmos told Trend.
Azerbaijan's unique satellite operator Azercosmos is in talks with the Turkish Space Technologies Research Institute (TÜBITAK UZAY) on this issue, the source reported.
Azercosmos, Science Development Fund under the President of Azerbaijan and TÜBITAK UZAY signed a memorandum of mutual understanding on cooperation in the space industry in 2015.
Under this document, the sides will exchange experience in the sphere of space technologies, conduct joint research, and use benefits of satellite telecommunication systems.
Moreover, the cooperation provides for space and astronomical research, as well as study of the Earth's surface and the construction of new generation telecommunication systems. The parties will exchange experience in the field of space-based technologies, conduct joint research and use the benefits of telecommunication satellite systems.
Being the only satellite operator in Caucasus, Azercosmos launched the Azerspace-1, the first-ever satellite of Azerbaijan in 2013. The company provides highly reliable, satellite-based communication services to enterprise and government customers for DTH, voice, video, data and mobility applications. Azerspace-1 covers the countries of Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Middle East and Africa.
Azerspace-2 is scheduled for launch in late 2017-early 2018. Work on the installation of ground station equipment must be completed no later than 2017, and the ready satellite shipped to the launch site before the end of 2017.
The satellite will be placed in an orbital position of 45 degrees east longitude and will be leased by Azerbaijan side from the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization, which will have rights to 45.9 percent of satellite resources. The service area of Azerspace-2 will cover Europe, South-East Asia, Middle East and Africa.
Moreover, Azercosmos operates the low-earth-orbit satellite AzerSky.
Enjoying a high-skilled personnel and advanced technical capacity, Azercosmos has succeeded in becoming one of the driving forces of the ICT sector both in the country and in region during the short period since its inception.
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Nazrin Gadimova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @NazrinGadimova
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