| Names | Intelsat 38 |
|---|---|
| Mission type | Communications |
| Operator | Azercosmos Intelsat |
| COSPAR ID | 2018-074A  |
| SATCAT no. | 43632 |
| Mission duration | 15 years (planned) |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft | Azerspace-2 |
| Spacecraft type | SSL 1300 |
| Bus | LS 1300 |
| Manufacturer | Space Systems/Loral[1] |
| Launch mass | 3,500 kg (7,700 lb) |
| Power | 13.7 kW |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 26 September 2018, 02:38 GMT+4 |
| Rocket | Ariane 5 ECA (VA243) |
| Launch site | Centre Spatial Guyanais, ELA-3 |
| Contractor | Arianespace |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
| Regime | Geostationary orbit |
| Longitude | 45° East |
| Transponders | |
| Band | 35Ku-band transponders |
| Coverage area | Central Europe, Eastern Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, Asia |
Azerspace-2, also known as Intelsat 38, is Azerbaijan's second telecommunications satellite, built by Space Systems/Loral, California and managed by Azercosmos and Intelsat.[2]
A strategic agreement was signed between the Intelsat S.A., and Azercosmos OJSCo. (Azercosmos Open Joint Stock Company), Azerbaijan's national satellite operator, on the 45° East orbital location in February 2015. Both companies collaborated on the development of the Azerpsace-2 satellite.[3] The purchase 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 26 September 2018 at 02:38 GMT+4 from the centre Spatial GuyanaisinFrench Guiana. It separated from the upper rocket stage 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 Central Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa. The new satellite will provide continuity of service for the Intelsat 12 satellite.
Azerspace-2 will provide digital broadcasting, data transmission and other services. The satellite will support the direct-to-home (DTH) satellite broadcasting, contributing to the emergence of DTH operators in Azerbaijan.[4][5] It has an anticipated service life of 15 years.[6]
The satellite was placed into geostationary orbit at 45° East longitude, and will serve the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and Asia,[7] also serving as a backup to Azerspace-1.[6]
According to Azercosmos, 46% of the satellite's unladen capacity has been sold.[8][9]
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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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