Turkmenistan is preparing to launch its first satellite, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said at the Turkmentel-2011 exhibition, Trend reports.
The satellite will be used to broadcast TV channels, Internet communication, research and realization of ecological programs.
The tender for satellite construction was won by Thales (France).
Specialists say Turkmenistan is the best area for astronomic observations, allowing astronomers to operate 2,000 hours a year. An observatory is located at Dushak.
