Tonight satellite Azerspace to reveal solar panels and antenna reflectors

The first Azerbaijani telecommunications satellite reaches orbit Azerspace/Africasat-1a by February 19

As reported by the Open Joint Stock Company "Azerkosmos" to unfold tonight solar panels and antenna reflectors. Moving to the design point operating satellite position will begin after the operation.

After reaching orbit in early March there will be test work, and after that the satellite will go into full control "Azerkosmos."

As previously reported, on the night of 7 to 8 February (at 01 h 35 local time) from the Kourou space center in French Guiana (South America) launched the first national telecommunications satellite of Azerbaijan - "Azerspeys-1." Launch vehicle Ariane-5 brought into orbit.

The weight of the satellite is 3.2 tons. Its temporary position in the geostationary orbit has been leased from Malaysian operator MEASAT Satellite Systems, at 46 degrees East. After the completion of the seven-year process of conciliation with 30 countries of the world, satellites which will coexist with the Azerbaijani apparatus, it will be moved to their own positions - 43.2, 58.5 and 96 degrees east longitude.

The device is built for the government of Azerbaijan Corporation Orbital Sciences Corporation (USA). According to the Minister of Communications and Information Technologies Ali Abbasov, 20% of the resources of the satellite will be used to meet the ICT needs of the country, while other resources will be available to foreign tenants.

After 7 years of operation, it will be self-sustaining. Expected life of the satellite has been insured for $ 17 million. - 17D-