France’s Arianespace has signed a launch Service & Solutions contract with IR&AC for Azerbaijan’s satellite to be launched by the end of 2012. Weighing approximately 3,000 kg. at launch, the satellite will be boosted into geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 5 rocket from the Guiana Space Center, Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

The satellite, fitted with 36 active Ku- and C-band transponders, will be built by Orbital Sciences Corporation using a STAR-2 platform. It will deliver a wide range of communications services for all of Azerbaijan, as well as Central Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa, satnews.com reported.