Azerbaijan, Turkey to build satellites
By Nigar Orujova
Azerbaijan and Turkey will cooperate in building new generation micro- and nano-satellites and telecommunication systems, Azerbaijan's satellite operator Azercosmos reported.
A memorandum of understanding on cooperation in space industry was signed between Azercosmos, Turkey’s Space Technologies Research Institute and Science Development Foundation under the president of Azerbaijan.
The preliminary agreement on cooperation between the sides in this sphere was signed in May.
The document envisages cooperation in conducting researches in space and astronomy spheres, as well as in studying the Earth’s surface.
Turkey and Azerbaijan will also exchange experience in space technologies, conducting joint researches, taking the advantage of satellite telecommunication systems, etc.
The usage of Azerbaijan’s low-orbit satellite resources will also enable to implement joint projects in the sphere of agriculture.
The sides also agreed to organize joint events dedicated to the use of satellites, conferences, symposia and seminars in this field, training and so on.
Azerbaijan entered the exclusive space club less than two years ago with the launch of the first Azerbaijani telecommunications satellite, Azerspace-1, which provides a variety of services, such as digital television, data transmission, VSAT multi-service networks, and governmental communications. The total cost of the Azerspace-1 project was some $230 million.
Azerspace-1provides highly reliable broadband and broadcast solutions to its customers in Europe, Africa, Middle East, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.
The satellite also broadcasting a number of Turkish channels.
Currently, Azerbaijani satellite operator Azercosmos operates the AzerSky low-orbit satellite. The launch of the second telecommunication satellite Azerspace-2 is planned in 2017.
Azerspace-2 will be placed in an orbital position of 45 degrees east longitude covering a service area of Europe, South-East Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
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Nigar Orujova is AzerNews’ staff journalist. Follow her on Twitter: @o_nigar
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