[Satellite TODAY 11-08-10] The Ministry of Communications and Information Technologies of the Republic of Azerbaijan selected Arianespace to launch the country’s first communications satellite on an Ariane 5 rocket by the end of 2012, Arianespace announced Nov. 5.
    The satellite, to be built by Orbital Sciences Corp. and fitted with 36 Ku and C-band transponders, will lift off from the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana. The satellite will deliver a wide range of communications services for Azerbaijan as well as Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
    This is the 10th launch contract Arianespace has signed in 2010.
    “Arianespace is especially proud of this opportunity to serve the Republic of Azerbaijan and to contribute to the expansion of communications services. The implementation of its national satellite program and its entering into the satellite market, demonstrate the rapid, successful and sustainable development of Azerbaijan and shall contribute to the development of the region,” Arianespace Chairman and CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall said in a statement.