View source for Azerspace-1/Africasat-1a

{{Infobox spaceflight
| name                  = Azerspace-1/Africasat-a
| image                 = Azerspace-1.jpg
| image_caption         =
| mission_type          = [[Communications satellite|Communications]]
| operator              = [[Azercosmos]]
| COSPAR_ID             = 2013-006B
| SATCAT                = 39079
| mission_duration      = 15&nbsp;years
| spacecraft_bus        = [[GEOStar-2]]
| manufacturer          = [[Orbital Sciences Corporation]]
| dry_mass              =
| launch_mass           = {{convert|3275|kg|lb}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/azerspace-1.htm|title=Azerspace/Africasat 1a|first=Gunter|last=Krebs|work=Gunter's Space Page|access-date=31 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030103042/http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/azerspace-1.htm|archive-date=30 October 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| power                 =
| launch_date           = {{start-date|February 8, 2013, 21:37|timezone=yes}}&nbsp;UTC<ref name="launchlog">{{cite web|url=http://planet4589.org/space/log/launchlog.txt|title=Launch Log|first=Jonathan|last=McDowell|work=Jonathan's Space Page|access-date=31 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091113093423/http://planet4589.org/space/log/launchlog.txt|archive-date=13 November 2009|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| launch_rocket         = [[Ariane 5|Ariane 5ECA]] VA212
| launch_site           = [[Guiana Space Centre|Kourou]] [[ELA-3]]
| launch_contractor     = [[Arianespace]]
| disposal_type         =
| deactivated           =
| last_contact          = <!-- {{end-date|[insert date here]}} -->
| orbit_epoch           = 29 October 2013, 20:36:34&nbsp;UTC<ref name="n2yo">{{cite web|url=http://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=39079|title=AZERSPACE 1 Satellite details 2013-006B NORAD 39079|work=N2YO|date=29 October 2013|access-date=31 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104095718/http://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=39079|archive-date=4 November 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| orbit_reference       = [[geocentric orbit|Geocentric]]
| orbit_regime          = [[Geostationary orbit|Geostationary]]
| orbit_periapsis       = {{convert|35781|km|mi}}
| orbit_apoapsis        = {{convert|35802|km|mi}}
| orbit_inclination     = 0.03&nbsp;degrees
| orbit_period          = 1,436.05&nbsp;minutes
| apsis                 = gee
| trans_band            = 12 [[Ku band|Ku-band]] transponders <br> 24 [[C band (IEEE)|C-band]] transponders
| trans_frequency       =
| trans_bandwidth       =
| trans_capacity        =
| trans_coverage        = [[Europe]], [[Central Asia]]<br>(Ku-band and C-band)<br>[[Africa]] (C-band only)
| trans_TWTA            =
| trans_EIRP            =
| trans_HPBW            =
}}
'''Azerspace-1/Africasat-1a'''',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20130202000020/Article/index_html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130413153914/http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20130202000020/Article/index_html |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 April 2013 |title=MEASAT in final lap for satellite launch next week |publisher=Business Times |date=2 February 2013 |access-date=12 February 2013 }}</ref> is [[Azerbaijan]]'s first [[satellite]] in space. Built by [[Orbital Sciences Corporation]], it was launched by [[Ariane 5]] into orbit on February 7, 2013 from [[Guiana Space Centre|Kourou]] in [[French Guiana]] at orbital positions 46° east.<ref>{{cite web|title=Arianespace signs deal to launch Azerbaijani satellite|url=http://www.news.az/articles/tech/26038|publisher=news.az|access-date=5 November 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101108155851/http://www.news.az/articles/tech/26038| archive-date= 8 November 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Azerbaijan signs deal with Arianespace to launch satellite|url=http://www.space-travel.com/reports/Azerbaijan_signs_deal_with_Arianespace_to_launch_satellite_999.html|publisher=Space-Travel.com|access-date=5 November 2010|archive-url=https://archive.today/20101106142156/http://www.space-travel.com/reports/Azerbaijan_signs_deal_with_Arianespace_to_launch_satellite_999.html|archive-date=6 November 2010|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.satellitetoday.com/st/headlines/Orbital-Contracted-to-Build-Azerbaijans-First-Satellite_34220.html |title=Orbital Contracted to Build Azerbaijan's First Satellite |access-date=2010-05-28 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20110510101859/http://www.satellitetoday.com/st/headlines/Orbital-Contracted-to-Build-Azerbaijans-First-Satellite_34220.html |archive-date=2011-05-10 |url-status=live }}</ref> The satellite covers Europe and a significant part of Asia and Africa. It is operated by the Azerbaijani company [[Azercosmos]] and has transmission capabilities for TV, radio broadcasting and the internet.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=baku-developing-satellite-to-kick-off-national-space-program-2009-12-03 |title=Baku developing satellite to kick off national space program |access-date=2009-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515195438/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=baku-developing-satellite-to-kick-off-national-space-program-2009-12-03 |archive-date=2011-05-15 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Mohney|first=Doug|title=New Oil Money Fueling Modest Space Dreams and Political Heartburn|url=http://satellite.tmcnet.com/topics/satellite/articles/181505-new-oil-money-fueling-modest-space-dreams-political.htm|access-date=3 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605044129/http://satellite.tmcnet.com/topics/satellite/articles/181505-new-oil-money-fueling-modest-space-dreams-political.htm|archive-date=5 June 2011|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
The satellite has an anticipated service life of 15 years.<ref>{{cite news|title=Baku Reaches For The Stars: Azerbaijan Launches First Satellite|newspaper=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |url=http://www.rferl.org/content/azerbaijan-satellite-launch--telecommunications/24895830.html|date=February 7, 2013|access-date=8 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208053245/http://www.rferl.org/content/azerbaijan-satellite-launch--telecommunications/24895830.html|archive-date=8 February 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
==Cost==
It is believed that the satellite cost of [[United States dollar|US$]] 120 [[1,000,000 (number)|million]] and was established by [[Orbital Sciences Corporation]].<ref>[http://www.iks-media.ru/news/2865181.html Азербайджан запустит в космос первый спутник связи] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004105627/http://www.iks-media.ru/news/2865181.html |date=2011-10-04 }} {{in lang|ru}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kucera|first=Joshua|title=Azerbaijan: Baku's Satellite Deal Sends Armenian Diaspora Groups into Orbit|newspaper=Eurasianet |url=http://www.eurasianet.org/node/63437|access-date=8 May 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110514232500/http://www.eurasianet.org/node/63437| archive-date= 14 May 2011 | url-status= live}}</ref> [[Arianespace]]’s president Jean-Yves Le Gall emphasized that the weight of the satellite would be three tonnes.<ref name=weight>{{cite web|title=Azerbaijan Communications Ministry prepares to sign a contract for 100 per cent insurance of national satellite |url=http://abc.az/eng/news_05_11_2010_49275.html |publisher=abc, az |access-date=5 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003221424/http://abc.az/eng/news_05_11_2010_49275.html |archive-date=3 October 2011 }}</ref> In April 2011, [[Export-Import Bank of the United States]] has approved financing of this project as 85 per cent of construction cost which will be provided to the Azerbaijani side in the form of a loan, while the remaining 15 per cent will be paid by state funds.<ref>{{cite web|title=US Ex-Im approves loan for construction of Azerbaijani satellite Azerspace|date=29 April 2011 |url=http://en.trend.az/capital/it/1868667.html|publisher=Trend News Agency|access-date=29 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501072945/http://en.trend.az/capital/it/1868667.html|archive-date=1 May 2011|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Экспортно-Импортный Банк США выделит кредит на строительство спутника AzerSat |url=http://www.1news.az/economy/tech/20110429010712351.html |access-date=29 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110502001404/http://www.1news.az/economy/tech/20110429010712351.html |archive-date=2 May 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Одобрен кредит для строительства азербайджанского спутника|date=29 April 2011|url=http://news.day.az/economy/264686.html|publisher=Day.az|access-date=29 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110502165459/http://news.day.az/economy/264686.html|archive-date=2 May 2011|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The funds will be issued to Azercosmos OJSC.<ref>{{cite web|title=2012 state budget to increase funds to launch national satellite into orbit|url=http://www.news.az/articles/tech/49002|work=News.az|access-date=23 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111120003230/http://www.news.az/articles/tech/49002|archive-date=20 November 2011|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
==Satellite specifications==
The satellite has solar arrays with four panels per array, using UTJ Gallium Arsenide cells. It will be stabilized with a 3-axis stabilized, zero momentum system. It will have a liquid bi-propellant transfer orbit system, with a monopropellant (hydrazine) on-orbit system. Power will be held in two Li-ion batteries with a capacity of >4840 W/hr.
Azerspace-1/Africasat-1A has a hybrid payload including both C- band and Ku-band antennae. There will be 24 active C-band transponders, using a {{convert|2.5|x|2.7|m|ftin|abbr=on}} single shell super-elliptical deployable reflector, with a {{convert|1.4|x|1.4|m|ftin|abbr=on}} single shell super-elliptical deck-mounted reflector. There will also be 12 active Ku-band transponders, using a {{convert|2.5|x|2.7|m|ftin|abbr=on}} single shell super-elliptical deployable reflector.
The Ku-band transponders (11.2&nbsp;GHz and 14.0&nbsp;GHz) have a contour map that primarily covers Europe and Central Asia. The C-band contour map (3740&nbsp;MHz and 5965&nbsp;MHz) also covers Europe and Central Asia, as well as nearly all of Africa.<ref name="orbital.com">{{Cite web |url=http://www.orbital.com/NewsInfo/Publications/Azerspace_Fact.pdf |title=Home |access-date=2012-08-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001105327/http://www.orbital.com/NewsInfo/Publications/Azerspace_Fact.pdf |archive-date=2012-10-01 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Azerspace/Africasat-1a coverages & footprints|url=http://www.satlaunch.net/2011/10/azerspaceafricasat-1a-coverages.html|publisher=Satlaunch|access-date=9 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108132328/http://www.satlaunch.net/2011/10/azerspaceafricasat-1a-coverages.html|archive-date=8 November 2011|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
==Orbit==
The satellite based on Orbital's flight-proven [[STAR-2]] platform and generates approximately five kilowatts of payload power for 36 active transponders.<ref>{{cite web|title=Azerbaijan's first satellite to be launched in 2012|url=http://www.azembassy.com/new/nl/2010/nl6.html|publisher=Embassy of Azerbaijan|access-date=2 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923181135/http://www.azembassy.com/new/nl/2010/nl6.html|archive-date=23 September 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Upon completion of in-orbit testing, operational control of the satellite was handed over to Azerbaijan's Ministry of Communications and IT, and since October, 2017 [[Azercosmos]] OJSCo controls Azerspace-1 independently.
==Operation==
The satellite's operations are controlled by a state-run company, [[Azercosmos]], owned by the [[Government of Azerbaijan]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=39079 |title=Azerspace |access-date=2018-02-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207005059/https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=39079 |archive-date=2018-02-07 |url-status=live }}</ref> Azerspace-1/Africasat-1A is a joint venture between Azerbaijan and satellite fleet operator [[MEASAT Satellite Systems]] of [[Malaysia]], which owns the rights to the orbital slot at 46 degrees east longitude,<ref name="orbital.com"/> and which will be using about 40 per cent of the satellite's total capacity. Azerbaijan uses 20 per cent, with the remaining capacity to be available for other customers.<ref name="spacenews.com">[https://archive.today/20130203082927/http://www.spacenews.com/policy/110608-france-azerbaijan-space-cooperation.html Space News]</ref>
As of 2014, satellite carries 13 radio stations and 128 television channels, mostly free to air, in addition to its services to the government.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Selding|first1=Peter|title=Azerbaijan's Blueprint for a Domestic Space Industry Includes Global Competition for Optical Satellite|url=http://www.spacenews.com/article/civil-space/41986azerbaijan%E2%80%99s-blueprint-for-a-domestic-space-industry-includes-global|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141107032656/http://www.spacenews.com/article/civil-space/41986azerbaijan%E2%80%99s-blueprint-for-a-domestic-space-industry-includes-global|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 7, 2014|website=www.spacenews.com|access-date=7 November 2014}}</ref> As of 2018, the satellite carries around 100 TV and radio channels, mostly free to air, in addition to its services to the government.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://azercosmos.az/telecommunication-channel-list |title=Channel list |access-date=2018-02-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219210809/http://azercosmos.az/telecommunication-channel-list |archive-date=2018-02-19 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Follow-on activities==
The launch of its own satellite inaugurated Azerbaijan's space industry.<ref>[http://www.news.az/articles/2595 Meeting held to coordinate orbital slots for Azersat] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511074234/http://www.news.az/articles/2595 |date=May 11, 2011 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.comnews.ru/index.cfm?id=46893&tempo=150 Азербайджан выведет в космос два спутника связи] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513074030/http://www.comnews.ru/index.cfm?id=46893&tempo=150 |date=2011-05-13 }} {{in lang|ru}}</ref> In April 2011, deputy director of the [[Azerbaijan National Aerospace Agency]] Tofig Suleymanov hinted that Azerbaijan had plans to launch a second satellite to study the Earth's interior and atmosphere in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Второй азербайджанский спутник может быть выведен на орбиту в 2014 году |url=http://www.zerkalo.az/2011-05-18/economics/19571- |access-date=18 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725113310/http://www.zerkalo.az/2011-05-18/economics/19571- |archive-date=25 July 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Azerbaijan may launch another artificial satellite|url=http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2011/04/09/5434996.htm|access-date=29 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303185123/http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2011/04/09/5434996.htm|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Azerbaijani second satellite to be financed through internal funds|url=http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2011/04/29/5477732.htm|access-date=30 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052336/http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2011/04/29/5477732.htm|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 26 November 2011, the head of Azercosmos, Rashad Nabiyev, reported that the launch of the second satellite was expected to occur in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title=Azercosmos to launch Azerbaijan's second national satellite by 2015 |url=http://abc.az/eng/news/main/59912.html |work=abc.az |access-date=26 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304123605/http://abc.az/eng/news/main/59912.html |archive-date=4 March 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Azerbaijan set to launch second satellite into orbit in 2015|url=http://www.news.az/articles/tech/49493|work=news.az|access-date=26 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129012145/http://www.news.az/articles/tech/49493|archive-date=29 November 2011|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
[[Azercosmos]] was launched second telecommunication satellite, [[Azerspace-2]], in 25 September 2018 by 22:38 by [[UTC]],<ref name=sfn_ls>{{cite web |url=http://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/ |title=Launch schedule |work=SpaceFlight Now |last=Clark |first=Stephen |date=August 28, 2018 |access-date=August 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224185459/http://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/ |archive-date=December 24, 2016 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> to provide broadband and broadcast services to customers in Europe, the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Central and South Asia.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://cbc.az/en/en/news/azercosmos-azerspace-2-satellite-to-be-launched-in-april1515654599 |title=AZERCOSMOS: AZERSPACE-2 SATELLITE TO BE LAUNCHED IN APRIL |access-date=2018-02-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206193059/http://cbc.az/en/en/news/azercosmos-azerspace-2-satellite-to-be-launched-in-april1515654599 |archive-date=2018-02-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The new satellite is equipped with 35 transponders in Ku-band, and will be located at 45° East longitude. The lifespan of Azerspace-2 is expected to be 15 years.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.arianespace.com/press-release/arianespace-selected-to-launch-azerspace-2intelsat-38-satellite-at-45-degrees-east/ |title=Arianespace Selected to Launch Azerspace-2/Intelsat 38 Satellite at 45 Degrees East |access-date=2018-02-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207005224/http://www.arianespace.com/press-release/arianespace-selected-to-launch-azerspace-2intelsat-38-satellite-at-45-degrees-east/ |archive-date=2018-02-07 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://en.azvision.az/news/76793/azerspace-2-satellite-to-be-launched-in-early-2018.html |title="Azerspace-2" satellite to be launched in early 2018 |access-date=2018-02-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207005119/https://en.azvision.az/news/76793/azerspace-2-satellite-to-be-launched-in-early-2018.html |archive-date=2018-02-07 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==See also==
{{Portal|Spaceflight}}
*[[Azerbaijan National Aerospace Agency]]
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20150403222700/http://i-m.ch/satellite-services/satellite-coverage/azerspace-1-at-46-0e/ IMS] Official provider's site
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20160724112752/https://satepedia.com/satellite/africasat-1/channels AfricaSat 1 / MEASAT 1  Channels] at Satepedia
{{Orbital launches in 2013}}
{{Azerbaijani space program}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2014}}
[[Category:2013 in Azerbaijan]]
[[Category:Spacecraft launched in 2013]]
[[Category:Communications satellites]]
[[Category:Communications satellites in geostationary orbit]]
[[Category:Satellite television]]
[[Category:Satellites orbiting Earth]]
[[Category:Satellites of Azerbaijan]]
[[Category:First artificial satellites of a country]]
[[Category:Satellites using the GEOStar bus]]
[[Category:Azercosmos]]