# Azerspace-1

> Azerbaijani communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q2564451](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2564451)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azerspace-1/Africasat-1a)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/azerspace-1

## Summary
Azerspace-1 is the first telecommunications satellite operated by Azerbaijan, also known by its aliases Africasat-1a and Azersat. Launched on February 7, 2013, it was manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation and positioned in geostationary orbit to provide communications services. The satellite was succeeded in its program by Azerspace-2.

## Key Facts
*   **Official Designation:** Also known as Africasat-1a and Azersat; COSPAR ID 2013-006B; SCN 39079.
*   **Launch Date:** February 7, 2013.
*   **Launch Vehicle:** Ariane 5 ECA.
*   **Launch Site:** ELA-3.
*   **Manufacturer:** Orbital Sciences Corporation.
*   **Operator:** Azerbaijan National Aerospace Agency.
*   **Orbit Type:** Geostationary orbit.
*   **Successor:** Azerspace-2.
*   **Classification:** Communications satellite.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Azerspace-1 launched?
A: Azerspace-1 was launched on February 7, 2013, using an Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle from the ELA-3 launch complex.

### Q: Who manufactured and operates Azerspace-1?
A: The satellite was manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation and is operated by the Azerbaijan National Aerospace Agency.

### Q: What other names is Azerspace-1 known by?
A: Azerspace-1 is also identified as Africasat-1a and Azersat.

### Q: What type of satellite is Azerspace-1?
A: It is a communications satellite designed for telecommunications and placed in geostationary orbit.

## Why It Matters
Azerspace-1 represents a significant milestone in the aerospace capabilities of Azerbaijan. As a communications satellite operating in geostationary orbit, it serves as a critical infrastructure asset for the nation's telecommunications needs. The project highlights international collaboration, utilizing a European launch vehicle (Ariane 5 ECA) and US manufacturing (Orbital Sciences Corporation) to establish the country's orbital presence. The establishment of the Azerspace program, continued later by Azerspace-2, marks the country's transition into the domain of space-based assets. The satellite's alternative name, Africasat-1a, suggests a broader service area or market focus beyond the Caspian region, indicating its role in global or regional communications coverage.

## Notable For
*   **Program Initiation:** Serves as the initial satellite (followed by Azerspace-2) for Azerbaijan's national space program.
*   **International Collaboration:** Combined US manufacturing (Orbital Sciences) with European launch capabilities (Ariane 5 ECA).
*   **Dual Naming:** Uniquely identified as both Azerspace-1 and Africasat-1a.
*   **Orbital Positioning:** Specifically placed in geostationary orbit to maintain a fixed position relative to the Earth for consistent communication relay.

## Body
### Launch and Deployment
Azerspace-1 was successfully launched on February 7, 2013. The launch was executed from the ELA-3 launch site using the Ariane 5 ECA heavy-lift launch vehicle. This event is recorded as a significant rocket launch event in the satellite's history.

### Technical Specifications and Identity
The satellite is officially cataloged with the COSPAR ID 2013-006B and the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 39079. It is classified as an artificial satellite designed for telecommunications. The construction of the satellite was contracted to Orbital Sciences Corporation.

### Operational Context
The satellite is operated by the Azerbaijan National Aerospace Agency. It functions within a geostationary orbit, allowing it to provide continuous coverage to its service area. The program was expanded with the launch of Azerspace-2, a geosynchronous telecommunications satellite also associated with Azerbaijan. Azerspace-1 maintains a digital presence with a listed Wikipedia title of "Azerspace-1/Africasat-1a" and is categorized under "Azerspace-1" on Wikimedia Commons.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013