Armenia strives to become one of the leading countries in space research - minister
YEREVAN, April 17. /ARKA/. Armenia aspires to become a country with advanced space research, according to High Technologies Industry Minister Mkhitar Hayrapetyan.
The Minister spoke about the first Armenian satellite Armsat1, which was created by the Spanish Satlantis Company under the contract with Armenia and launched into the earth orbit on May 25, 2022.
According to him, a satellite data reception station was established in Armenia in January this year by Geocosmos CJSC and specialists involved in this project are undergoing training courses according to the contract.
"We are trying to invest in knowledge and abilities, which will allow to independently manage the launched satellites in the future," Hayrapetyan said.
He pointed out that Armsat1 is part of a chain of actions in the field of space research.
"The Armenian government announced last year that it also plans to acquire the second and third satellites in the coming years as part of its strategy," Hayrapetyan noted.
According to him, the project is aimed at ensuring a certain self-sufficiency through own capabilities, for example, these satellites are to take photos in space, they are to be used by a number of important agencies for various purposes ranging from security to economy, agriculture, environment.
"There are various technology platforms being created in the world today, which will be considered by our ministry in the near future. In particular, of interest to city authorities is the detection and online transmission of information on likely unauthorized constructions to new mines that do not have the appropriate permits-licenses for construction. In a word, great opportunities are opening up for various agencies to respond promptly," the minister said.
On December 1, 2023, the first Armenian-made space satellite Hayasat-1, created by the domestic laboratory Bazoomq and the Center for the Development of Education and Scientific Innovation, was successfully launched into Earth orbit. The launch took place on SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket from Vandenerg Base (California, USA). The signals sent by the satellite can be intercepted when it passes through the sky over Armenia. -0-
