Intelsat and Azercosmos have partnered to design the Azerspace-2 / Intelsat 38 satellite, which will be launched at 45° E orbital position.

The Intelsat 38 satellite will replace the Intelsat 12 satellite, and will provide services for network and government applications in Africa, as well as for DTH applications in the central, eastern European and Asia Pacific regions.

Intelsat deputy CEO Stephen Spengler said: "Our collaboration will enable us to create additional capacity by leveraging our existing assets and maximising the value of our orbital rights."

"Azercosmos will make use of the new satellite to enhance its capacity, coverage and service offerings for the DTH, government and network services currently supported by Azerspace-1."

The 45° E location is said to host direct-to-home (DTH) platforms, and provide connectivity for corporate network services in Africa.

Azercosmos CEO Rashad Nabiyev said: "The demand for satellite capacity in our coverage markets, which include CIS, African and Asian countries, continues to grow and with Azerspace-2, it further underscores our commitment to deliver satellite services to the region.

"Our partnership with Intelsat will further strengthen both of our positions in the region, and provide the necessary capacity to efficiently expand our services geographically."

Azercosmos will make use of the new satellite to enhance its capacity, coverage and service offerings for the DTH, government and network services currently supported by Azerspace-1.

The Azerspace-2 / Intelsat 38 satellite is planned for launch in 2017.