Nurak | |
---|---|
Location in Tajikistan | |
Coordinates: 38°23′N 69°19′E / 38.383°N 69.317°E | |
Country | Tajikistan |
Province | Khatlon |
Population (2008) | |
• Total | 18,950 (est) |
Nurek (Tajik: Норак) is a city in the Khatlon province of Tajikistan. It is situated on the Vakhsh River, 885 m above sea level, and is 70 km southeast of Dushanbe, the capital. It has a population of 18,950 (2008 estimate).
The city was founded in 1960 alongside the construction of Nurek Dam, which was completed in 1980.
The city also has a military area housing personnel working at the nearby optical satellite tracking facility, the Okno ("Window") complex38°16′52″N 69°13′30″E / 38.281°N 69.225°E, belonging to the Russian Space Forces. The Okno is capable of tracking objects 40,000 kilometers (25,000 mi) from Earth, the space forces said in a statement carried by the Interfax-Military News Agency when it was put on duty in 2002. The facility involves telescope-like equipment housed in several large spheres, similar to the U.S. GEODSS system.
Coordinates: 38°23′N 69°19′E / 38.383°N 69.317°E