Azerbaijan's accession to space treaty to expand its cooperation links (UPDATE)
By Nigar Orujova
Azerbaijan's accession to the treaty on principles for the activities of countries in the use of outer space will expand its international cooperation links, the national space agency Azercosmos said Monday.
The intergovernmental agreement will help to accelerate the growth of the country's activities in the outer space from both the economic and scientific point of view, and also serve as logistics in the space industry.
It will also provide favorable conditions for meeting the objectives set out in the state program on the creation and development of the space industry in Azerbaijan.
The Treaty on the Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and other Celestial Bodies, has been ratified by the Parliament and approved by the President.
The treaty, which went into effect in 1967, defines the basic legal framework of international space law. The states that are party to the agreement pursue the exploration and use of outer space in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter, and work to facilitate the maintenance of international peace and security and promote international cooperation and mutual understanding.
Azercosmos Open Joint Stock Company, a fully state-owned entity with the Communications and Information Technologies Ministry as its single shareholder, is the premier satellite operator in the Caucasus, which was established on May 3, 2010.
The company positions itself mainly as the operator that aims to satisfy customer requirements. Azercosmos provides highly reliable and satellite-delivered communication services and platforms to broadcasting, broadband and government customers.
Azercosmos resources and capabilities allow it to be well
equipped and hence handle emerging technologies. The company opens
up opportunities for homes to benefit from its satellite-based
services that are beyond the reach of terrestrial networks.
With the advanced design and switching capabilities of the first
Azerbaijani telecommunication satellite, Azerspace-1, millions of
viewers can get access to information and communications worldwide.
The satellite plays a role of the gateway in space that connects
over 50 countries in Central Asia, Europe and Africa.