Azerbaijani communication satellite reaches orbit

On February 19, 2013, Azerspace-1, the first Azerbaijani satellite, has reached its orbit of 46° eastern longitude. It will be tested until early March and then taken to Azercosmos, the Ministry for Communication and Information Technologies reports.

Azercosmos will control the tests from the Main Control Center near Baku. Another center is located in Nakhchivan.

The satellite was launched from Guiana (France) on February 8. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev commented on the launch in his speech.

Azerbaijan plans to utilize only 20% of the satellite’s capacity, 80% will be available for rent.

Azerbaijan plans to launch another satellite in 2016.

Adapted from: Vestnik Kavkaza