Talks on Afghan satellite launch underway

KABUL): The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) on Saturday said it was in talks with two international corporations on sending the first-ever Afghan satellite into space.

Previously, the ministry said three international space corporations were ready to launch the Afghan satellite “Afsat” over the next two years.

An official said the Afsat, estimated to cost $250 million, was to be sent into the space by a foreign space corporation.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology says all satellites are being moved into a special orbital position where the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) had specified a special slot at 50 degree east for Afghanistan.

Telecommunication Minister Amirzai Sangin told a press conference in Kabul that talks on the mega project were underway with two international space corporations and hoped for early results of the talks.  

mrh/ma