Armenia plans to launch two more satellites by 2028

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS. Armenia is planning to launch two more satellites into orbit, officials announced Monday.

Armenia launched its first satellite – ARMSAT-1 Earth Observation Satellite – in May 2022 from Cape Canaveral in United States.

On November 28, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan chaired a meeting at the Ministry of High-Tech Industry where Minister Robert Khachatryan delivered the report.

The meeting covered Armenia’s ranking in the Global Innovation Index, as well as both positive and negative indicators in the area. Steps taken in development of startups were also discussed, namely the Idea to Business project which offers government funding to new companies with the best projects.

Officials reported that the 50% income tax return program for companies hiring new employees is in force, and a total of 2,8 billion dramshas already been allocated by the government for this purpose. Several IT companies have hired more than 700 employees through the University-Private Sector project. The 2022 budget of this program stood at 231 million drams and will comprise 311 million next year.

The renovation of the reserve control center was launched in the telecommunication and connection area.

By 2026 authorities seek to ensure broadband connection and accessibility to state digital services in 80% of settlements.

The Prime Minister was also briefed on the space development steps.

The officials noted the launch of ARMSAT-1 in May of 2022 and said that by 2028 two more Armenian satellites will be launched into space. In 2023 a satellite control and downlink center is planned to be opened in Armenia.

PM Pashinyan attached importance to the implementation of consistent steps in this area and said that the government will continue focusing on the development of this area.

Officials then briefed the PM on the programs and works for establishing the Engineering City, the National Supercomputing Center and cybersecurity and digitization activities.

Officials were instructed to develop a roadmap for resolving the issues in the area and ensure development.