Construction of alternative satellite control center launched in Azerbaijan

Work has been launched on the construction of an alternative satellite control center for Azerspace in the Nakhichivan Autonomous Republic, the Azerbaijani Communications and IT Ministry told.

According to the signed contract, the U.S Company OrbitalScienceCorp will deal with its technical equipment. The company also will train staff to exploit the satellite earth station.

Meanwhile, construction work of the satellite earth station of the first Azerbaijani telecommunication satellite Azerspace has been launched. The station will be located in the settlement of Guzdek, Garadagh district.

Work on construction of satellite earth station and alternative satellite control center is expected to be completed by late 2012, that is, before the satellite will be launched into orbit.

Today, loan agreements have already been signed for financing construction of the country's first telecommunication satellite Azerspace and its launch into orbit. The satellite is expected to be launched into orbit in late 2012. Azerspace's manufacturer is Orbital Sciences Corporation.

An orbital position of 46 degrees east longitude has been leased from Malaysian satellite operator MEASAT. French Arianspace will send the satellite into orbit.

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