TurkmenAlem52E/MonacoSAT launch a success!

The TurkmenAlem52E/MonacoSAT telecommunications satellite was successfully launched on April 27th 2015 by a SpaceX Falcon 9 launcher. The satellite was built by Thales Alenia Space as prime contractor, on behalf of the Turkmenistan Ministry of Communications.
 

Mission

TurkmenAlem52E/MonacoSAT will allow Turkmenistan to operate its first national satellite telecommunications system, ensuring enhanced, secure telecommunications for the country. The satellite is built on a Thales Alenia Space Spacebus 4000 C2 platform, will weigh 4,500 kg at launch and offers a design life exceeding 15 years. Its coverage zone encompasses Europe, Central Asia up to the Chinese border and virtually all of Africa. The Turkmenistan Ministry of Communications will use Monaco's 52°E orbital position, via the Monaco-based satellite operator, Space Systems International - Monaco (SSI).
 

Thales Alenia Space's contribution

As prime contractor for this in-orbit delivery contract, Thales Alenia Space was in charge of satellite design and manufacture, along with the manufacture of ground support equipment for the two satellite control stations, all associated services, provision of launch services and insurance. The Turkmenistan team, which manages TurkmenAlem52E/MonacoSAT, received intensive training from Thales Alenia Space engineers to ensure trouble-free satellite operation.
 

Delivery scheduling par excellence

The first Turkmenistan telecom satellite was produced and ready to ship in just 27 months, more than four months ahead of the contractual deadline. TurkmenAlem52E/MonacoSAT is a perfect example of Thales Alenia Space's excellence in reliable delivery scheduling. The launch took place in April 2015 instead of the original date of late November 2014, because of the Falcon 9 launch manifest.
 

TurkmenAlem52E/MonacoSAT quote:

“More than simply building a satellite, we have been laying the foundations of the space ambitions for a whole nation” – Jean-Loïc Galle, CEO Thales Alenia Space

Watch the TurkmenAlem52E/MonacoSAT video:

Including interviews of: H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, Jean-Loïc Galle, Dr Ilhami Aygun, SSI CEO, and Guy Burle, program director (Thales Alenia Space)