Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov has signed a decree authorizing the creation of a National Space Agency, national television reported.
The document, signed on Monday, stipulates that the agency is being set up “to ensure the implementation of scientific achievements in the national economy and to supervise future space exploration.”
Berdymukhamedov said in the past that the presence of own national satellite would boost the development of the country’s communications network, Internet and television, contribute to the implementation of ecological programs, improve the exploration of energy resources, as well as ensure the successful implementation of various state programs.
Turkmenistan has reportedly been holding talks with potential partners to acquire its first telecommunications satellite.
At present, a Russian Yamal-type satellite owned by Gazprom Space Systems provides telecommunications coverage for the former Soviet state in Central Asia.
ASHGABAT (Turkmenistan), May 31 (RIA Novosti)