Armenia Plans to Launch at Least Three Satellites, Pashinyan Says

PARIS — Armenia plans to launch at least three satellites—two for Earth observation and one for telecommunications—as part of its efforts to expand its national space capabilities, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on September 10 at the International Space Summit in Paris.

Pashinyan said Armenia has entered a new stage in the development of its national space capabilities. He noted that Armenia launched its first satellite, ARMSAT-1, in 2022. Developed using European technologies, the satellite was placed into orbit by SpaceX. A year later, Armenia reached another milestone with HAYASAT-1, the first Armenian satellite to be fully assembled and tested by Armenian specialists.

Under the Armenian government’s 2026–2031 program, the development of national space capabilities has been designated as a separate strategic objective. In addition to launching at least three satellites, Armenia plans to develop its own ground infrastructure and domestic capabilities for satellite management and the reception, processing and analysis of satellite data.

The government also plans to establish a distributed network of ground stations capable of serving Armenia’s national needs while supporting international space missions and responding to the growing demand for satellite data and services.

Looking ahead, Pashinyan said Armenia intends to participate more actively in international space programs, providing Armenian engineers and companies with opportunities to contribute to the design, engineering and production of complex systems and equipment for space research.

Armenia’s 2026–2030 strategy for scientific development also identifies space and aerospace technologies as strategic priorities, including Earth observation, satellite communications, space situational awareness, navigation technologies and other emerging fields.

Pashinyan also highlighted the growing convergence between space technologies and artificial intelligence. He said Armenia is developing a broader national concept for an “AI Factory Park,” aimed at creating an ecosystem of advanced computing and artificial intelligence capabilities to support research, innovation and technological development across various sectors.

He noted that the Firebird AI Factory, developed in cooperation with NVIDIA, was recently launched in Armenia.

Pashinyan also pointed to the Academic City project as another important component of Armenia’s technological transformation. By bringing together universities, research institutions, students, researchers, international partners and the private sector, the project aims to strengthen links between education, science and industry and create an environment conducive to advanced research and technological development.

The prime minister emphasized that countries with emerging space capabilities should have opportunities to participate in the global space economy not only as users of technology and data, but increasingly as contributors to research, innovation and technological development.

Pashinyan attended the International Space Summit in Paris alongside other senior officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.

During the summit, Pashinyan participated in a panel discussion titled “Visions for the Future of Space Infrastructure,” where he reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to investing in science and human capital and strengthening international partnerships so that space science, technology and data can contribute to sustainable development and a better future for humanity.