Azernews.Az

By Seymur Aliyev

South Korea is seeking involvement in the project on launching into orbit the second Azerbaijani satellite, Azerbaijan's communications and IT minister has said in a meeting with newly appointed Korean Ambassador Choi Suk-inn.

Launching of the satellite is expected in 2015.

Minister Ali Abbasov suggested drawing Korean companies to the projects being implemented in Azerbaijan to expand broadband services and also participation of a Korean delegation in the international Internet Governance Forum (IGF), which will be held in Baku November 6-9.

The potential of a low-orbit satellite may be used to ensure the security of strategically important infrastructure, the environment, to prevent, control and predict emergencies, as well as for geodesy and cartography. The satellite could also be used to address issues pertaining to real estate, agriculture, regulation of transport infrastructure and communications, etc.

The cost for constructing and launching the communication satellites is $200 to $230 million and revenues are projected at $600-650 million.

Azerbaijan's first telecommunication satellite, Azerspace-1, will be delivered to the Kourou Space Center, located in the north-east of South America in French Guiana, in November, with its launch planned for the beginning of 2013.

The French Arianespace company will launch the satellite into orbit. The American Orbital Sciences Corporation is the manufacturer of the satellite and the orbital position will be 46 degrees eastern longitude where the satellite will be placed according to an agreement with Malaysian operator MEASAT.

39.5 per cent of the resources of the satellite have already been leased by MEASAT. The Malaysian company will use the resources of the Azerbaijani satellite for telecommunication services and broadcasting.

The availability of its own satellites allows Azerbaijan to fill the ranks of developed countries in the field of space technologies and will ensure the country's information security.