Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory and Azercosmos will cooperate to identify risks that may pose a danger to Azerbaijan’s first telecommunication satellite Azerspace-1 satellite, launched to space on February 8, 2013.

The observatory will present Azerkosmos preliminary data on space debris, which can be dangerous for the satellite, as well as calculations of satellite collision risks.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between representatives of the two structures, held in the main satellite control center of Azerkosmos.

During the meeting the parties agreed upon a periodic photographing of the Azerspace-1 satellite through a telescope, and the calculation of its coordinates.

In addition, the parties discussed issues of crossing trajectories of satellites, observation of satellites via telescopes, the calculation of the exact coordinates as well as the creation of nano-satellites and astrophysical space experiments.

Azercosmos, created in accordance with the presidential decree in 2010, is the premier satellite operator in the Caucasus. The satellite to operate in orbit for at least 15 years worth $230 million.

Azerspace-1, the telecommunication satellite operated by Azercosmos, provides highly-reliable broadband and broadcast solutions to its customers in Europe, Africa, Middle East, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Such countries as Malaysia, Russia, Germany, Ukraine, Egypt, Georgia, UAE, Lebanon, Cameroon, the United Kingdom, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Estonia and Belarus use Azerspace-1’s services.

The company's strategic development plans include the launch of a second telecommunications satellite Earth observation services in the coming years.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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