Kyiv offers aid in launching Azeri satellite
Ukraine has offered Azerbaijan the option of using
its Zenit rocket for launching an Azerbaijani communications
satellite into space, according to Ambassador Boris Klimchuk.
"We have offered our services in delivering the Azerbaijani satellite into orbit," he told the press. "However, the package of tender proposals on manufacturing the satellite has not yet been opened. When that happens, we will see who will be favored by the Azerbaijani side."
Klimchuk noted that if the issue is resolved in Ukraine`s favor, Kyiv stands ready to assist in the satellite launch.
"On our end, we are very interested in being involved in the process."
The ambassador pointed out the advantages of his country`s rockets.
"The latest launch from the Baikonur cosmodrome once again confirmed the reliability of our Zenit 3SL satellite. Moreover, this rocket delivers a very high level of precision, and precision of positioning on the orbit, as it has turned out, extends the life-span of the satellite by four to five years.
"The only restriction is the weight of the satellite. We are capable of delivering satellites weighing a total of 3.5 tons. As far as I know, these are the very parameters that Azerbaijan has set in its Azerspace program," Klimchuk said.
The communications ministry plans to launch the AzerSat communications satellite into space in the first half of 2010.
In March 2007, the government submitted its preliminary proposals on launching the national satellite to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The project is estimated to cost $80-100 million, with sources of funding yet to be determined. The satellite is to operate for 15 years, with investments to be returned in three to five years.
Azerbaijan plans to use only 20-25% of the resources of the satellite and sell the rest to foreign operators.
"We have offered our services in delivering the Azerbaijani satellite into orbit," he told the press. "However, the package of tender proposals on manufacturing the satellite has not yet been opened. When that happens, we will see who will be favored by the Azerbaijani side."
Klimchuk noted that if the issue is resolved in Ukraine`s favor, Kyiv stands ready to assist in the satellite launch.
"On our end, we are very interested in being involved in the process."
The ambassador pointed out the advantages of his country`s rockets.
"The latest launch from the Baikonur cosmodrome once again confirmed the reliability of our Zenit 3SL satellite. Moreover, this rocket delivers a very high level of precision, and precision of positioning on the orbit, as it has turned out, extends the life-span of the satellite by four to five years.
"The only restriction is the weight of the satellite. We are capable of delivering satellites weighing a total of 3.5 tons. As far as I know, these are the very parameters that Azerbaijan has set in its Azerspace program," Klimchuk said.
The communications ministry plans to launch the AzerSat communications satellite into space in the first half of 2010.
In March 2007, the government submitted its preliminary proposals on launching the national satellite to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The project is estimated to cost $80-100 million, with sources of funding yet to be determined. The satellite is to operate for 15 years, with investments to be returned in three to five years.
Azerbaijan plans to use only 20-25% of the resources of the satellite and sell the rest to foreign operators.
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