SSL

US commercial satellite builder Space Systems Loral (SSL), a fully owned subsidiary of MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) has secured a deal to build a communications satellite for Azercosmos, the national satellite operator of Azerbaijan.

The launch of the satellite is expected to take place in 2017.

The proposed satellite, called Azerspace-2 or Intelsat 38, will be Azercosmos’ second telecommunications satellite, which will expand on the current capacity of Azerspace-1.

It aims to support growing demand for DTH, government, and network services in Europe, central and south Asia, Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa.

SSL president John Celli said: "SSL has a long history of partnering with satellite operators.

"We look forward to supporting Azercosmos in its collaborative project with Intelsat by building the spacecraft that will help both Azercosmos and Intelsat meet their growth objectives.

"Intelsat 38 is an example of the collaboration taking place across the satellite industry today."

Azercosmos chairman Rashad Nabiyev said: "This new satellite will provide Azercosmos with additional capacity for the increasing demand in the region, and will allow us to continue to bring the best service to our customers."

In February, Azercosmos made a strategic agreement with Intelsat, under which Intelsat will locate the new satellite at 45° east orbital location.

It will provide continuity of service for the Intelsat 12 satellite currently stationed at 45° east orbital location that hosts DTH platforms for central and eastern Europe and Asia-Pacific region.

Intelsat 38 will also provide connectivity for corporate networks and government applications in Africa.

Besides the new Intelsat 38, SSL will build Intelsat 12, which was launched in 2000.

Intelsat chief technical officer Thierry Guillemin said: "Intelsat 38 is an example of the collaboration taking place across the satellite industry today.

"Our partnership with Azercosmos and SSL will enable us to meet the content distribution demands of viewers in central Europe and Asia and provide corporate networks in Africa with the broadband connectivity they need to build and expand their businesses."

Image: SSL to build communications satellite for Azercosmos. Photo: courtesy of PR Newswire Association.