LUANDA, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Angola's first national telecommunications satellite (Angosat-2) is expected to be launched in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, on Oct. 12, Angolan Minister of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication Mario Oliveira has announced.
According to the minister, with this project, the Angola government intends to reduce digital exclusion in the country and the continent in general, through the expansion of telecommunication services to the most remote areas of the nation at competitive prices.
The official explained that the satellite includes a series of services covering the African continent, mainly the southern region, and a significant part of southern Europe.
Weighing a total of two tonnes, Angosat-2 is a High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) that will provide 13 gigabytes in each illuminated region, and it will be based on the Eurostar-3000 platform and have a design life span of 15 years.
The minister pointed out that African countries, especially those of the Southern African Development Community have contacted Angola to provide them with telecommunications services.
The Russia-made AngoSat-2 satellite will replace Angosat-1, the first Angolan satellite launched in December 2017. Angosat-1 was further plagued by problems including the loss of communications and was regarded as a write-off. ■
