#Local
Today, the Azerbaijani government has officially registered the management rights of the C and Ku frequency bands of the "Azerspace-1" satellite, positioned at 46° E (east longitude) orbital location. This registration has been approved by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), marking a significant milestone for Azerbaijan's space capabilities. Notably, "Azerspace-1," launched in 2013, initially operated in these frequency bands under the ownership of the Malaysian administration. However, the transfer of these bands to Azerbaijan signifies the satellite's shift to Azerbaijan's exclusive orbit, granting the country greater control over its telecommunications assets.
The process of securing the 46° E orbital position for Azerbaijan commenced on December 8, 2020, with the submission of necessary documentation to the ITU. Despite typically spanning a seven-year period globally, Azerbaijan's experts completed this process in just three years, showcasing the nation's efficiency and dedication in the space domain. Over this period, Azerbaijan successfully concluded coordination negotiations with 34 countries, securing agreements related to 265 satellite networks, demonstrating its commitment to international collaboration in space endeavors.
The 46° E position represents Azerbaijan's inaugural and sole orbital position within the geostationary belt, a significant achievement in the country's space aspirations. This milestone empowers Azerbaijan to deploy future telecommunication satellites independently, without reliance on other nations' orbital positions. Satellites in the geostationary belt, positioned approximately 36,000 kilometers above the equator, play crucial roles in telecommunications, broadcasting, and weather forecasting. Azerbaijan's ownership of this orbital position enhances its autonomy and strategic capabilities in the space domain, positioning the country as a key player in the global space arena.