Azerspace-2
| Names | Azerspace-2, Intelsat 38 |
|---|---|
| Mission type | Communications |
| Operator | Azercosmos Intelsat |
| COSPAR ID | 2018-074A |
| SATCAT no. | 43632 |
| Mission duration | 15 years |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Manufacturer | Space Systems/Loral[1] |
| Launch mass | 3500 kg |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 25 September 2018[2] |
| Rocket | Ariane 5 ECA (VA243) |
| Launch site | Kourou ELA-3 |
| Contractor | Arianespace |
Azerspace-2, also known as Intelsat 38, is Azerbaijan's second telecommunications satellite, built by U.S.-based Space Systems Loral and managed by Azercosmos.[3]
History
A strategic agreement was signed between the Intelsat S.A, the world's first Globalized Network operator and "Azercosmos" Open Joint Stock Company, Azerbaijan's national satellite operator, on the 45° eastern orbital location in February 2015. Both companies collaborated on the development of the Azerpsace-2 satellite.[4]
The creation of Azerspace-2 is carried out mainly at the expense of a preferential loan from the Canadian credit and export agency Export Development Canada.
Liftoff of the Azerspace-2
Azerpsace-2 satellite was launched into orbit on 25 September 2018, from the Kourou Space Center in French Guiana.[2] It separated from the upper rocket stage at 721 pm EDT and operated in test mode for the first two months. Then the satellite was transferred to a working orbit.
Azerspace-2 has been designed in order to help Azercosmos to expand its service area. It renders uninterrupted service across Europe, Central and South Asia, the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Features
Azerspace-2 will provide digital broadcasting, data transmission and other services. The satellite will support the direct-to-home (DTH) satellite broadcasting platform, contributing to the emergence of DTH operators in Azerbaijan.[5][6] It has an anticipated service life of 15 years.[7]
Location
The satellite was placed into geostationary orbit at 45 degrees east longitude, and will serve the countries of Europe, Central Asia, Sri Lanka, the Middle East and Tropical Africa,[8] also serving as a backup to Azerspace-1.[7]
Commercialization
According to Azercosmos Chairman of the Rashad Nabiyev, 46% of the satellite's unladen capacity has been sold.[9][10]
References
- ^ Azerbaijan designs Azerspace-2 telecommunication satellite
- ^ a b Clark, Stephen (August 28, 2018). "Launch schedule". SpaceFlight Now. Retrieved August 29, 2018.
- ^ "Satbeams - Azerspace 2".
- ^ "Intelsat and Azercosmos Partner to Deliver New Satellite at 45 Degrees East".
- ^ "İlham Əliyev: "Azerspace-2"nin orbitə çıxarılması Azərbaycanda kosmik sənayenin inkişafında yeni mərhələnin təməlini qoyacaq". Trend.Az (in Azerbaijani). 2016-11-29. Retrieved 2019-02-12.
- ^ "Azerbaijan Upgrades Telecommunications Infrastructure, Set To Launch Azerspace-2". caspiannews.com. Retrieved 2019-02-12.
- ^ a b Hasanov, Bakhtiyar (11 January 2018). "Azercosmos: Azerspace-2 satellite to be launched in April". CBC Azerbaijan. Archived from the original on 6 February 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
- ^ "Azerbaijan constructing second telecommunication satellite". AzerNews.az. 2016-04-15. Retrieved 2019-02-12.
- ^ “Azerspace-2” peyki orbitə çıxarılacaq
- ^ "Azerspace-2 to sign contract with manufacturer soon". AzerNews.az. 2015-11-06. Retrieved 2019-02-12.