ECONOMY
The Japan Times writes about Azerbaijan`s first telecommunications satellite
Tokyo, May 30 (AZERTAC). The Japan Times newspaper has published an article by Azerbaijani minister of communication and information technologies Ali Abbasov about Azerbaijan`s first telecommunications satellite.
The article says that Azerbaijan created the space industry and placed its first telecommunications satellite into orbit. The author says the satellite will eliminate the dependence of information exchange from foreign countries and ensure information security. “At the same time it will promote the development of human resources and enhance the intellectual potential in new economic areas to implement new science intensive projects, which in general, will lead to creation of innovation-oriented economy.”
“Upon decisions and recommendations of President Ilham Aliyev, space-related activities and researches were launched in 2008.”
The article says that the President of Azerbaijan signed an order “On establishment of space industry in Azerbaijan and the launch of the country`s telecommunications satellites”, as well as approved the “State Program on creation and development of space industry in Azerbaijan”. “Azercosmos” company was set up for this purpose. Azerbaijan`s relevant agencies have effectively cooperated with the world`s advanced space organizations to learn their experience for developing Azerbaijan`s first communications satellite.
2013 has been declared by President Ilham Aliyev as a year of Information and Communication Technologies. On February 8, 2013, one more history-making event happened in the life of the independent Azerbaijan as Azerspace-1 communications satellite was put into orbit from the Guiana Space Center near Kourou in French Guiana at 01.35 Baku time. It separated from a carrier rocket 33 minutes after the launch.
Made by U.S. Orbital Sciences Corporation based on flight-proven GEOStar-2 platform, Azerspace-1 blasted off aboard French Ariane 5 rocket.
Azerbaijan`s first communications satellite operates from an orbital location at 46 degrees East longitude through an arrangement between Azercosmos and MEASAT Satellite Systems of Malaysia, which owns the rights to the orbital slot.
The “Azerspace-1” satellite, weighing nearly 3.2 tons and equipped with a payload of 36 active transponders, was positioned in the geostationary orbit at 46 degrees East and cover the regions of Europe, Africa, Central Asia, Caucasus and the Middle East. The “Azerspace-1” satellite, which will operate in orbit for at least 15 years, is intended to provide broadcasting and telecommunication services, platforms for high-quality and reliable communication meeting the requirements of corporate and government clients.
“Azerbaijan`s growing economic power has created opportunities to reach new accomplishments. As a powerful and developing country, Azerbaijan will further see great achievements”, the article stresses.