Local TV channels to be aired through Azerspace-1 soon

By AzerNews

Soon Azerbaijan's TV channels will be broadcasted through the first Azerbaijani telecommunication satellite Azerspace-1.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Communication and IT Ministry Nigar Madatli said that the ministry has already carried out relevant preparatory works.

As earlier reported, US-based company Orbital Sciences Corporation passed on full control over theAzerspace-1 to the national space agency Azercosmos. Tests of satellite in the orbit have been completed.

Launched on February 8 through Ariane 5 ECA rocket carrier owned by the French Arianespace company from the ELA-3 launch facility at the Guiana Space Centre, Azerspace-1 was on trials until March.

The satellite will be controlled by the specialists of Azerkosmos from Main Home Ground Satellite Control Center near Baku. Alternative Ground Satellite Control Center is situated in Nakhchivan.

The total value of the Azerspace-1 project is about $230 million, including expenses on the construction of ground control stations, staff training, insurance costs and launching.
According to the Azercosmos expectations, the satellite will fetch $500-600 million in 15 years.
Launch of two more Azerbaijani satellites - a low-orbit satellite and another telecommunication satellite - is scheduled for 2015 and 2016 respectively.

Some 20 percent of the satellite's resources will be used for Azerbaijan's needs, and the remaining 80 percent will be available for commercial purposes.

The satellite exploitation term in the orbit will be up to 15 years. The satellite's services will cover Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and North Africa.

The satellite was designed to offer digital broadcasting services, Internet access, data transmission, and to create multiservice VSAT networks and provide for governmental communication

Development of the satellite industry in Azerbaijan will promote to lift the risks of information blockade.