Vnesheconombank may give credit to Armenia for communication satellite

YEREVAN, July 18. /ARKA/. Roscosmos may seek to convince Vnesheconombank to allocate credit to Armenia for designing in Russia and further launching a geostationary communication satellite, Novosti-Armenia reports referring to RIA Novosti and Roscosmos Head Vladimir Popovkin.

“ The memorandum signed at the air show in Farnborough proves the necessity for Armenia to build and launch its own communication satellite. Armenia is a very friendly ally of Russia, and we have no doubts that they will refuse from their intentions. We, on our side, will try to inspire Vnesheconombank to grant a credit for the project implementation,” Popovkin said.

According to him, the sides discussed the principal parameters of the satellite launch program for Armenia at the international air show, held in British Farnborough this July.

“We have discussed the capacity of the apparatus, also the possible terms of designing and launching it. The Armenian side expressed intention to launch it by 2016,” Popovkin clarified. 

Roscosmom Head also said the estimated cost of the project was also speculated.

“We said the satellite with a capacity of 50 to 60 transponders planned for launching within some particular terms will cost some particular sum. We also inquired if Armenia has its own registered geostationary orbital position or the country needs to rent the Russian one. The details of the memorandum are commercial secret, but we decided to sign the agreement by the end of the year. It is important that Armenia intends to design the satellite in Russia, this is included in the memorandum,” Head of Roscosmos resumed, RIA Novosti reports.-0-