Azerspace1 - Azerbaijan on Earth and around Earth

By AzerNews

Azerbaijan, the largest country in the South Caucasus, has always been in the spotlight of attention due to its abundant history and cultural heritage. From the ancient times to the present day the country has played an important role in the political and economic life of the region. Sustainable development has brought a new status and allowed it to go beyond the regional scope and fill the ranks of much respected countries of the world. Huge multi-faceted projects implemented in Azerbaijan have always cast the country into international limelight. One of these tremendous projects has brought standing ovation to Azerbaijan. It became the greatest development of the past years in the country's history - Azerbaijan opened a path into space by launching its first-ever national satellite.

Azerbaijan's opportunities in the space industry were in the focus of President Ilham Aliyev's attention; his decree "On the establishment of the space industry in the Azerbaijan Republic and launch of telecommunication satellites into the orbit", as well as the approval of the state program "On the establishment and development of the cosmic sphere" paved the way for the development of the mentioned field in the country.

Creating and developing the space industry and launching telecommunication satellites into the orbit is considered strategically important for reducing the information exchange dependence on foreign countries and ensuring information security, and at the same time for advancing the available human resources and intellectual potential of the country and consequently endeavoring for the creation of innovation-oriented economy in the country.

Construction of the Azerspace/Africasat-1 satellite had a projected cost of about $250 million and was to be carried out by US-based company Orbital Sciences Corporation. In April 2011, Export-Import Bank of the United States approved financing of the project; 85 percent of the construction cost is provided to the Azerbaijani side as a loan, while the remaining 15 percent is covered by state funds. The funds were allocated to the Azerbaijani space agency Azercosmos.

The satellite weighs 3,275 kg and its term of service in the orbit will be up to 15 years. The satellite's services will cover Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and North Africa.

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 is controlled by specialists of Azercosmos from Main Home Ground Satellite Control Center near the capital Baku. An alternative ground control center is located in Nakhchivan.

The launch of the satellite became a milestone not only for Azerbaijan but the whole world. President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva watched the launch live at a special center in the Azercosmos building. President Aliyev then congratulated the Azerbaijani people on this historical and unforgettable event. Also, a special ceremony was arranged in the office of Measat Satellite Systems in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur in order to watch the launching process live. Officials of the Malaysian government, Azerbaijan's ambassador to Malaysia and employees of the embassy, as well as executives of Measat company, attended the ceremony.

Satellite operator Measat owns the rights to the orbital slot at 46 degrees east longitude, and will be using about 40 percent of the satellite's total capacity.

The ground control centers constructed in Baku and Nakhchivan by Azercosmos OJSC under Azerbaijan's Ministry of Communication and Information Technologies and designed for operating the telecommunication satellite were commissioned immediately after Azerspace-1 was launched. After successful completion of all the tests, from April 2, Azerspace-1 was passed by Orbital Sciences to the full control of Azercosmos specialists and the satellite was reported ready for commercial exploitation.

The resources of the first Azerbaijani satellite will also be used for ensuring safety of such projects as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) and other oil pipelines used to deliver energy resources to European markets.

Such key lines as the BTC oil pipeline and gas pipelines are in the range of the Azerspace operation. The Azerbaijani satellite is able to provide these routes with the necessary requirements for secure exchange of information and governance though a Turkish satellite could be used as an alternative.

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

Azercosmos has studied foreign markets and accepted the proposals of many countries to buy satellite space. Preliminary agreements have been reached with some of them to lease satellite capacity.

Azercosmos takes part in international exhibitions as well as works with local TV companies to provide them with the latest satellite technology to explore opportunities for selling Azerspace-1 resources. And soon Azerspace-1 will be available for the broadcast of Azerbaijan's TV channels. Relevant preparations have been made by the Azerbaijani communications ministry.

The advantages that Azerspace-1 promises for Azerbaijan are as follows:

- diversification of the economy and creation of new industrial fields

- reducing dependence of information exchange on other countries and ensuring information security

- development of human resources and intellectual potential in new economic sectors

- shaping innovation-oriented economy

- expansion of Azerbaijan's regional and international influence

- Turning Azerbaijan into a regional ICT center

- TV, radio and communication services, highly reliable communication platforms meeting governmental and corporate customer requirements

- Internet connection, electronic government services, education, health, etc. in remote areas of the country

- protecting Azerbaijan from the threat of information blockade and bolstering the country's position in information wars

- directing the flow of funds paid to foreign countries for telecommunication services to Azerbaijan's economy and selling the satellite's capacities abroad

What specific advantages are expected from Azerspace-1?

Satellite communication is very important for Azerbaijan as the only alternative for the current communication infrastructure in the country. Providing high-quality and relatively cheap Internet connection in countries located in mountainous regions such as Azerbaijan is of great importance.

Also, operation of the satellite will boost qualitative and speedy Internet services across the country.

A possible reduction of communication service fees will be observed after the satellite's commissioning.

The satellite will make TV broadcasts more qualitative and support HD TV broadcasting.

The satellite will be a modern means of direct contact between the government and citizens, as well as will be essential for the establishment of a more advanced "e-government".

Satellite communication will also provide additional support to distance education and e-health in the country.

Satellite communication will contribute to the elimination of the aftermath of natural disasters and to more efficient control over emergencies.

As for economic benefits of the satellite industry, it is considered one of the most innovative, technologically advanced and profitable industrial fields in the world. According to the reports of the European Satellite Operators' Association, every euro invested in the satellite industry fetches 47 euros.

The Azerbaijani government has indicated it has no intention to be confined to Azerspace-1. Other satellite devices will expand the scope of Azerbaijan's cosmic influence in the years to come.

As the author of this article I feel proud of my country. It is pretty good to see Azerbaijan's uninterrupted progress. As any citizen of the country I cherish hope for my country and hold a great belief that we deserve the best. Long live Azerbaijan!