Azerspace-2


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.

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.
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. 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 satellite broadcasting platform, contributing to the emergence of DTH operators in Azerbaijan. It has an anticipated service life of 15 years.

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, also serving as a backup to Azerspace-1.

Commercialization

According to Azercosmos Chairman of the Rashad Nabiyev, 46% of the satellite's unladen capacity has been sold.