[Satellite TODAY 11-01-11] Thales Alenia Space has presented a model of the satellite it is building for Turkmenistan to the nation’s president Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, the satellite manufacturer confirmed Oct. 31.

            Turkmenistan currently uses a Gazprom Space Systems satellite to receive digital TV and broadcasts of Russian and Turkish TV programs.

Turkmenistan initiated its plans to develop a space program back in 2009 by contracting Thales to design and deliver a satellite that would accelerate the country’s communication systems, Internet, television and environmental programs, while assisting in the successful implementation of Turkmenistan state programs.

            In May 2011, the country officially founded the Turkmen National Space Agency with an announcement that U.S.-based launch company SpaceX would launch the Turkmen satellite in 2014.