The U.S.-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce said on Monday that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recommends Azerbaijan have three additional communications satellites.
Head of the ITU Area office for Commonwealth of Independent States Orozobek Kaiykov said the additional satellites would be necessary to strengthen the country’s communication services.
“Formation of a constellation of satellites is needed to ensure the reliability of the provided satellite communications services, so they can replace each other in unexpected circumstances and emergencies” Kaiykov said.
The country’s first satellite was sent into orbit in last February aboard the French Ariane 5 ECA launcher.
Discussion on positioning and construction of a second satellite has occurred. An agreement for a 2017 launch is expected to be signed in the early part of 2015.