Pashinyan: Armenia has entered a new stage in the development of its national space capabilities

ArmInfo. On September 10, RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participated in the International Space Summit in Paris.

According to the government press service, following the welcoming ceremony for high-ranking guests, the summit's opening ceremony took place, during which French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a welcoming speech. Also present at the event were European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, and other high-ranking officials.

Prime Minister Pashinyan then took part in a panel discussion on "Vision for the Future of Space Infrastructure." In his speech, the head of the Armenian government noted that Armenia has entered a new stage in the development of its national space capabilities. In 2022, the country launched its first satellite, ARMSAT-1, developed using European technology and launched into orbit by SpaceX. Just a year later, another milestone was reached: HAYASAT-1, the first Armenian satellite fully assembled and tested by Armenian specialists, was launched into orbit. The Prime Minister noted that the Armenian government's 2026-2031 program defines the development of national space capabilities as a separate strategic goal. Armenia intends to launch at least three satellites—two for Earth observation and one for telecommunications—while simultaneously developing its own ground infrastructure and in-house capabilities for satellite control, data reception, processing, and analysis. "We also plan to create a distribution network of ground stations that will be able to service these infrastructures. Armenia strives to meet not only the country's national needs but also to support international space missions and the growing demand for satellite data and services. "In the future, Armenia plans to more actively participate in international space programs, providing Armenian engineers and companies with the opportunity to contribute to the design, development, and production of complex systems and equipment for space exploration," Nikol Pashinyan noted.

At the same time, he noted, the strategic program for the development of the scientific sector of the Republic of Armenia for 2026-2030 identifies,

among other things, space and aerospace technologies as a strategic priority. This includes Earth observation, satellite communications, space situational awareness, navigation technologies, and other promising areas. "Armenia also recognizes the growing interconnectedness between space and artificial intelligence. In this context, we are developing a broader national concept of the 'Artificial Intelligence Factory,' which aims to create an ecosystem of advanced computing and artificial intelligence capabilities to support research, innovation, and technological development in various fields. In this regard, I am pleased to announce that the Firebird Artificial Intelligence Factory, developed in partnership with NVIDIA, recently opened in Armenia. The Academic City and the development of a new academic and research ecosystem will be another important component of this transformation. By bringing together universities, research institutes, students, researchers, international partners, and the private sector, we intend to strengthen the ties between education, science, and industry and create an environment for cutting-edge research and technological development. We believe that the expansion of the global space economy must be accompanied by greater access to its benefits. Developing countries with space capabilities should be able to participate not only as users of technology and data, but increasingly as contributors to research, innovation, and technological development. In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm Armenia's commitment to investing in science and human capital, and to strengthening international partnerships, so that space science, technology, and data contribute to sustainable development and a better future for humanity," the RA Prime Minister said.