The first national communications satellite launched on 28 April

The first communications satellite of Turkmenistan Türkmen Älem 52°E was launched from the launch site at Cape Canaveral (Florida, USA). The Falcon 9 rocket transported the artificial body built at the request of our country by French Thales Alenia Space into orbit.

A television space bridge between Ashgabat and the launch pad of SpaceX (USA) with the participation of President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was organized on this occasion.

The images for the television space bridge were transmitted live from the camera mounted on the launch vehicle

Cordially congratulating Turkmen citizens on the successful launch of the communications satellite of Turkmenistan Türkmen Älem 52°E, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized that our country as the neutral state abides by the principles of good neighbourliness, friendship and brotherhood and puts forward peaceful and humanitarian initiatives in the international arena.

The two-stage rocket with the Turkmen communications satellite on board launched from the launch pad Complex SLC-40 on April 27, at 23.03 (universal time) (April 28 at 4.03 in Ashgabat). The system operated in normal mode.

After TürkmenÄlem 52°E occupies its orbital position, it will establish a connection with the Satellite Surveillance Centre, located in Ahal Velayat. Specialists will conduct tests of the satellite systems. Upon successful completion of the technical tests, the satellite will be placed into its orbital position, and Turkmen specialists will ensure further surveillance and operation of the artificial object.

Operational satellite data and parameters will be transmitted to the Satellite Surveillance Centre. Its specialists received training and practical experience at the training centres abroad. Trained technical staff and operators will track the satellite orbiting the Earth and check the condition of the satellite systems, ensure effective and safe operation and conduct full-scale monitoring of the parameters of the orbiting object from the ground stations, located on the territory of our country.

The national satellite will be used to broadcast national television and radio channels. High capacity communication channels will make it possible to broadcast dozens of SD and HD TV channels. The satellite capacity will also allow using the satellite to create VSAT networks, transmitting data between ground stations located from one another at a distance of several thousand kilometres, providing satellite broadband internet services, conducting distance learning, various videoconferences, telemedicine services and other types of communication services.

The antenna coverage area will include dozens of countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. The position of the satellite will also allow Turkmenistan to act as a transit country for European and Asian broadcast channels.

State News Agency of Turkmenistan