Azerbaijan has entered the final stage of an international tender for the development of a new generation of communications satellite. The project will meet the country's long-term communications needs and provide high-level technological capabilities to its space infrastructure. The cost of the satellite, depending on its technical configuration, can range from 300 million to 800 million US dollars.
Currently, the final stage of the tender includes four of the world's leading aerospace companies: Thales Alenia Space of Franco-Italian origin, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) of Turkey, the US company SpaceX and another international candidate. The selected satellite system will comply with international standards and will further expand Azerbaijan's independence and capabilities in the field of communications technologies.
These steps taken by Azerbaijan in the space sector are not limited to communications satellites. According to the $120 million contract signed by Azercosmos with an international partner in October 2023, it is planned to produce two observation satellites. One of them will be manufactured abroad, and the other in Azerbaijan from 2026, and both satellites are planned to be launched into orbit in 2028.
The project covers not only technical development, but also technology transfer and training of local specialists. This is of strategic importance for strengthening Azerbaijan's national potential in the space industry and for undertaking larger projects with its own resources in the future.
