Azerbaijan assists Turkey in satellite systems study
By Rashid Shirinov
The Turkish Research Institute of space technology (TÜBİTAK UZAY) studies the experience of Azerkosmos in the management of satellite systems, the Ministry of Communications and High Technologies of Azerbaijan told Trend on Monday.
A group of TÜBİTAK UZAY specialists attended training on definition of satellite orbit, maneuvering in space, studying methods of increase of the satellites service life.
In turn, the Turkish Research Institute shared its plans and experience in building ground systems, satellite control, management of low-orbit satellites and practical works on nano-satellites construction.
The parties reached a preliminary agreement on continuation of works on experience exchange in the future.
Earlier, Azercosmos negotiated with TÜBİTAK UZAY on providing of scientific and technical support in the production of micro- and nanosatellites.
The Memorandum of mutual understanding on cooperation in space industry between the parties and the Science Development Foundation under the President of Azerbaijan was signed in 2015. The cooperation also provides for space and astronomical science, and research in the study of the Earth surface and construction of telecommunication systems of new generation.
Being the only satellite operator in Caucasus, Azercosmos launched the Azerspace-1, the first-ever satellite of Azerbaijan in 2013. The company provides highly reliable, satellite-based communication services to enterprise and government customers for DTH, voice, video, data and mobility applications. Azerspace-1 covers the countries of Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Middle East and Africa.
Azerspace-2 is scheduled for launch in late 2017-early 2018. Work on the installation of ground station equipment must be completed no later than 2017, and the ready satellite shipped to the launch site before the end of 2017.
Overall, Azercosmos has succeeded in becoming one of the driving forces of the ICT sector both in Azerbaijan and the whole region since its recent inception.
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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov
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