Article Posted on : - Nov 27, 2011

PARIS (BNS): Thales Alenia Space has signed a contract to design, manufacture and deliver the first Telecommunication Satellite for Turkmenistan.

The contract signed with the Turkmenistan Ministry of communication also includes the ground segment means for two Satellite Ground Control Stations, and all its associated services.

This high performance satellite within the Spacebus 4000 family for which 16 satellites are currently in use in orbit, will enable Turkmenistan to operate its first National System of Satellite Communications in order to secure and enhance Turkmenistan communication means. The satellite will be based on Thales Alenia Space Spacebus C2 platform.

The launch is scheduled in 2014 for a 15 years lifetime. The satellite, of around 10 Kw power and above 4.5 tons' launch mass, will carry Ku transponders covering large beams over Central Asia Region.

Turkmenistan Ministry of Communication will use the 52E orbital position of the Principality of Monaco via the Monaco Satellite Operator Space Systems International - Monaco (SSI).