Ariane 5 flight VA205. Photo: ESA

[Via Satellite 12-04-2015] Azercosmos and Intelsat have chosen Arianespace to launch the Azerspace 2/Intelsat 38 telecommunications satellite. The mission is scheduled for 2017 using an Ariane 5 rocket from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana.

Azerspace 2 is Azercosmos’ second telecommunications satellite, and will expand on the current capacity of the operator’s first satellite, Azerspace 1. Arianespace orbited Azerspace/Africasat 1A on Feb. 7, 2013. The second spacecraft will support growing demand for Direct-to-Home (DTH), government, and network services in Europe, Central and South Asia, the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa.

For Intelsat, the satellite will provide continuity of service for the Intelsat 12 satellite currently stationed at 45 degrees East, an orbital location which hosts DTH platforms for Central and Eastern Europe as well as the Asia-Pacific region. Intelsat 38 will also provide connectivity for corporate networks and government applications in Africa.

Space Systems/Loral (SSL) is the manufacturer of the Azerspace 2/Intelsat 38 satellite, having won the bid after Orbital ATK was unable to secure Export Credit Agency (ECA) financing.