Central Asia Newswire
Turkmenistan will launch its first space communications satellite in late 2014. The satellite will improve telephone services and increase the number of available television channels.
Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow announced his intention to build a national space communications system in 2009. Turkmenistan currently uses Russia’s Yamal satellite for its communications needs.
The satellite is being manufactured by European aerospace firm Thales Alenia Space, which signed a contract with the Turkmen government in late 2011. Thales is also expected to build a new ground-control system, as well as ensure that the satellite operates effectively for the next 15 years.
Graduates of the country’s State University of Makhtumkuli and the Institute of Transport and Communications will be selected to train at Thales Alenia Space aerospace plants. Turkmen graduates of foreign universities will also be eligible.