Bangabandhu Satellite-2 of Bangladesh is expected to launch towards space soon. Bangladesh government is also considering launching of Satellite 3 and 4. Necessary measures have been undertaken in this regard. A consulting body for determining as to the form of the satellite has been appointed. It is expected to launch the 2nd satellite and commence use of it by 2023. On 19th January Wednesday BSCL appointed Price Water House Cooper (PWC) of France for determination of the type of Bangabandhu Satillite-2 in the BSCL Head Office in Bangla Motor of the Capital. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed for a sum of Tk. 1 crore and 56 lacs for consultation. The lowest bidder offered US$ 5 million. Which one of the satellites will suit Bangladesh will be consulted to the BSCL by the PWC within 3 months after consideration. This satellite shall be utilized in weather, monitoring or in connection with safety purposes. A total number of 21 applications were submitted after inviting for appointment of consultant of the satellite-2 of Bangladesh out of them seven firms were asked to drop lenders and four of them dropped their tender. Thereafter Price Water House Cooper of France as the lowest bidder was given appointment as consultant.
Bangladesh entered into the club of 57 as the Satellite launching country across the world through launching Bangabandhu Satellite -1 on May 12, 2018 which cost Taka thousand crores.
Satellite Bangabandhu-1 is a communication’s satellite representing Bangladesh in the space. It plays fundamental role to run uninterrupted telecommunication system and in broadcasting television channels. The next satellite may be one that will effectively work transmit broadband in the difficult areas and transfer high-speed data. Today there are more than 13 manners of functions of the satellites differing from one another. Some satellites provide internet connection, telephone connection, networking in the flying airbus, networking in the impassable areas, GPS connection and many other facilities. By this time Bangladesh communication Satellite Company has commenced preparation of Bangabandhu Satellite-2. After one year and four months of launching, Bangabandhu Satellite-1 is going to open its accounts of earning. The domestic TV channels have a monetary involvement in it. TV channels are uninterruptedly publicizing this information for viewers. Now there are 34 public or private TV channels operating in the country. To become owner of the own satellite Bangladesh has to invest two thousand nine hundred and two crores Taka. The first ever satellite of the country Bangabandhu Satellite-1 was launched on 11th May from the Kanedy Space Centre of Florida. Every moment the repairing works of difficulties and consistency are in progress. All these are set to perfection from the very beginning of experimental broadcasting. Every thing else also be in due course. Bangabandhu Satellite-1 will give coverage in all the zones of Bangladesh properly. But because of not finding orbit in suitable place the Middle East countries will not watch the channels through it.
Their observation to this context is that orbit is not available on demand. It needs to be vacant. While others wait for getting it, an international committee determines it. In 2007 the functioning satellite was first introduced in Bangladesh. At that time Bangladesh applied to the International Tele-Communication Union (ITU) seeking orbital allotment in the 102 E Longitude of the space. But 20 countries expressed there objection on this application.
Bangladesh entered into a contract with ThalaceAllenia Space of France for construction of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 on 11 November, 2015. The total expenses involved in the implemention of Bangabandhu Satellite scheme is Tk. 2,765 crores. Out of it the multi national Bank HSBC provides with a credit amounting 1368 crores. This organization will be responsible for making structure of the satellite launching, land and space regulatory system and running two stations on the geographical layer. In order to launch the satellite and keep on the orbit the orbit (orbital route) was purchased from Russia’s Intersputink. The situation of this orbital route in the space is on 119.1 E Longitude. On the basis of contract signed in January, 2015 this orbital route was purchased for approximately 219 crores Taka for a period of 15 years. Bangabandhu Satellite-2 is a Geo-Stationary Satellite. It will contain 40 transponders. Bangladesh will utilize 20 out of them and the rest 20 will be for transferring to any foreign organizations.
Upon launching Bangabandhu Satellite-1 into the space a company was constituted by name and style “Bangladesh Communication Satellite Company Limited” to run it. After construction of Bangabandhu Satellite-1, it delivers ThallamAllenia Space to the launching firm by a special airbus. US Rocket builder firm Space X will launch this satellite with Locon Nine rocket lunch pad of Space X in the Kennedy Space Centre of in the Cape Canaveral of Florida, USA. Upon launching Bangabandhu Satellite-1 the ground station of Telipara, Gazipur and Betbunia of Rangamati are ready to take control of it. The procedures of launching Bangabandhu -2 Satellite will start within 3 months. On the basis of what is the type of the Bangabandhu Satellite -2 and what services it will provide, will be determined in the light of experience of Bangabandhu -1 Satellite. Type of Bangabandhu -2 Satellite will also be determined on the basis of experience gained in the Bangabandhu-1 Satellite. On attaining teachings of receiving complete services of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 by our TV channels, we shall consider about Bangabandhu Satellite-2.
(Dr. Jahangir is a Freedom Fighter and former Commissioner of Taxes and Director- Bangabandhu Satellite).
