The first communications satellite of Turkmenistan TürkmenÄlem 52°E successfully occupied its orbital position – 52 degrees east Longitude at an altitude of 36,000 kilometres above the Earth on May 17, 2015 at 07.10 (Ashgabat time). According to the plan, the radio-frequency communication channels of the satellite are to be tested until May 31. Upon successful completion of the technical tests, the satellite TürkmenÄlem 52°E will be transferred by the contractor – the French company Thales Alenia Space to Turkmenistan for operation. The satellite is currently operating in compliance with technical requirements, and the necessary works are carried out according to schedule. After the national satellite communications systems are put into operation, Turkmen specialists ensure further surveillance and operation of the artificial object. They are to fulfil the task of implementing its potential in full to ensure that the project outputs and results have a lasting effect. The Turkmen Hemrasy Close Corporation established in accordance with the Resolution of President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov will provide satellite communications services. The national satellite will be used to distribute national television and radio channels. The high transmission capacity of satellite links will allow transmitting dozens of TV channels in standard and high definition. Given that this capacity significantly exceeds the needs of national television, some satellite communications channels will be let on lease to foreign companies. The position of the satellite, which has a large coverage area, allows Turkmenistan to act as a transit country for European and Asian broadcasters. Satellite capacity allows transmitting data between ground stations located from one another at a distance of several thousand kilometres, providing satellite broadband internet services as well as attending many other tasks, such as distance learning, videoconferencing, telemedicine and other types of communication services. The national satellite communications systems as evidence for the enhancement of the prestige of our country as an information and communication bridge on the Eurasian continent will promote economic diversification and implementation of knowledge-intensive projects which will have a positive impact on further innovative development of Turkmenistan.