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The satellite, currently being constructed by French company
Thales Alenia Space, is tasked with improving Mongolia's
disaster management and emergency response, increasing broadband
internet access and supporting its scientific research and
education among other purposes, the government said in a
statement.
"Launching our own satellite marks a defining moment for
Mongolia's journey towards becoming a spacefaring nation,"
Mongolia's Minister of Digital Development and Communications
Uchral Nyam-Osor said in the statement.
"It signifies Mongolia's commitment to fostering a thriving
domestic space industry and its pursuit of a digital future
driven by cutting-edge innovation," Nyam-Osor added.
The talks came after Mongolia granted two licences for SpaceX to
operate as an internet service provider using low-orbit
satellites last year, which would enable millions of internet
users in the country to access high-speed connection via
Starlink.
"SpaceX's investment in Mongolia demonstrates the confidence
they have in the digital transformation and sustainable
development programmes at the centre of Mongolia's New Recovery
Policy and Vision2050," Nyam-Osor said.
Starlink services in Mongolia are expected to be available from
late February.
The satellite communications service operated by SpaceX has
built a fast-growing network of more than 3,500 satellites in
low-Earth orbit that can provide connectivity in remote areas.
Resource-rich Mongolia has extensive deposits of rare earth
minerals and copper, which are critical materials in the
electric vehicle supply chain.
(Reporting by Ethan Wang, Ella Cao and Ryan Woo; Editing by Hugh
Lawson)
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