Azerbaijani space agency Azercosmos is close to finalising the winning bid to build its second satellite, SatelliteFinance has learnt.
A tender launched earlier this year to build, insure and launch the earth observation spacecraft has already received…
Azerbaijani space agency Azercosmos is close to finalising the winning bid to build its second satellite, SatelliteFinance has learnt.
A tender launched earlier this year to build, insure and launch the earth observation spacecraft has already received several bids from international space companies. The space agency is currently evaluating these proposals for the satellite, which is slated for a 2015 launch. It expects to announce a winner in 2-4 months.
As part of a state programme to develop Azerbaijan’s space industry, Azercosmos is looking to launch a number of low earth orbit spacecraft in the next few years to survey the earth for security, scientific research, economical and other applications.
Further details of the tender process are expected to be announced next week.
Meanwhile, the country is aiming to launch its first telecoms satellite, Azerspace-1, towards the end of 2012. The US$250m spacecraft is being built by US-based Orbital Sciences, and is due to be launched by Arianespace to 46E. This orbital slot is held by Malaysian operator Measat, and the two groups have signed an agreement to jointly develop the position.
Azercosmos was also able to secure ECA financing for Azerspace-1 worth US$215m, with US Export-Import Bank backing a US$116.6m BNP Paribas loan for its construction, and France’s Coface guaranteeing a US$98m loan from Societe Generale and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation for the launch.