At the Cabinet session held on 1 May, 2020 Deputy Prime Minister overseeing transportation, communications and industry Bairamgeldi Ovezov gave a progress report on exploiting the resources of Turkmenistan’s satellite.
The state information agency TDH reports that following the report President Gurbanguly Berdymukahmmedov noted that thanks to the satellite communications the opportunities for holding video and teleconferences are being used to the full.
“This type of communications, which is widely used across the globe, significantly expedites the working process and improves the efficiency of utilizing the time and resources. This technology is actively used in education and healthcare”, the head of state was quoted as saying.
It is emphasized that the modern infrastructure of satellite communications and advanced technologies will facilitate the development and improvement of airspace related research in Turkmenistan and will contribute to enhancing the international prestige of the country.
In this connection Ovezov was charged with the task of exploring the possibilities of launching of the second artificial satellite into orbit.
It should be highlighted that due to the coronavirus pandemic Turkmen officials are using videoconferencing to hold meetings with foreign partners. The Cabinet sessions are also being held in the same manner.
The first satellite TurkmenAlem was launched on 28 April 2015 with the intention to rent out vacant frequencies to other communications providers. In July 2018 it was reported that Turkmenistan was still searching for ways to commercialize it.
In December 2017 it transpired that about 1 billion 300 million manats would be allocated for the development of Turkmenistan’s space industry.
These funds were envisaged to be used to create and launch another satellite to the space orbit.
The plans to launch the second satellite have been under discussion since 2016.
In January 2020 it became known that Russia will render assistance to Turkmenistan in this matter.