| 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]
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.
Azerpsace-2 satellite was launched into orbit on 25 September 2018, from the Kourou Space CenterinFrench 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.
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]
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]
According to Azercosmos Chairman of the Rashad Nabiyev, 46% of the satellite's unladen capacity has been sold.[9][10]
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Azerbaijani space program
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| Reconnaissance satellites |
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| Communications satellites |
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| Space observatories |
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| Scientists |
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