Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) was awarded a contract with Thales Alenia Space to launch Turkmenistan NSSC to geostationary transfer orbit in late-2014 or early 2015 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.

"We appreciate Thales' confidence in our ability to safely deliver Turkmenistan's first satellite to orbit," said Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX President and COO.

"We are pleased to see the market expand with new entrants, and SpaceX looks forward to leveraging the world's most reliable and advanced rockets for customers across the globe."

The satellite will enable Turkmenistan to operate its first National System of Satellite Communications in order to secure and enhance the country's communication means.