Ukraine wants to loft satellite worth $290 mln in 2013

According to Alekseev the project payback period is estimated at 7-8 years

KYIV, January 27, 2012 (UBO) – Ukraine in 2013 is planning to launch a satellite in which the state has invested USD 290 million, Yuriy Alekseev, head of the State Space Agency of Ukraine (SSAU) said, UkrInform reported.

“The matter is that Ukraine once did not fix a corresponding point relative to frequencies, and this point was taken by France. Our satellite was supposed to be at a point of 38 degrees. But now it will be at 48 degrees, and we will be sharing it (the point) with France. In my opinion, in 2013 we will launch our satellite...The state has invested in this project USD 290 million,” Alekseev emphasized.

According to the SSAU chief, the project payback period is estimated at 7-8 years, and the launch of a Ukrainian satellite is scheduled to be made from Baikonur spaceport with Zenit launch vehicle.