I did not choose science; science is in me, and I have dreamed of flying since I was a child - Mher Mehrabyan

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 14, ARMENPRESS. In Armenia, from March 5 to April 8, 2024, AMADEE-24, one of the most prestigious events in the space industry, will be held. The project's organizer is the Armenian Aerospace Agency, and the Austrian Space Forum carries out the management. At the core of this initiative stands Mher Mehrabyan, an Armenian scientist expert in the field of the aerospace industry. He is the founder of the first Armenian manufacturer of aircraft engines, ENGIND AM, and Aerospace Agency Armenia, and co-founder of the Aren Mehrabyan charitable foundation.

Armenpress talked with Mher Mehrabyan about his journey, science, and ambitions to make Armenia a space superpower.

I was born in Yerevan into a family of scientists and artists.

My father, a physicist, and my mother, a designer, both imparted to me a love for both science and art. Since childhood, my interest has spanned various artistic pursuits, including drawing, music, and pottery. Concurrently with my academic endeavors, I pursued music education, specifically learning the violin, and also participated in an aviation group.

The influence of my parents extended not only to me but also significantly shaped the lives of my brothers and sisters. Of particular importance was my older brother, who displayed exceptional drawing skills, even holding a solo exhibition at the age of three. He serves as a standard for me. Our family's commitment to culture and science was always a priority. Following our parents' example, my siblings and I chose diverse professions: one pursued a scientific career, another embraced the path of an artist, and the third combined both worlds, becoming a businessman managing our family companies.

My father, an outstanding individual, regrettably could not fully realize his potential due to the challenges of the Soviet era. However, he bequeathed his unrealized goals and dreams to us, serving as a binding force and a milestone for achieving more. Consequently, my aspirations for space exploration were not arbitrary but rooted in this familial legacy.

My education started when I was born.

After graduating from high school, I entered the Polytechnic University of Armenia. Our university also had a military department. In 1995, when I graduated from university, I was drafted into the army and served as an officer for two years. I have worked in Armenia and several countries in a multicultural and multinational environment, in the UAE, Iran, and the USA.

In 1996, my three brothers and I founded our business, PRINTINFO LLC, a printing and publishing house, which was more than a business for us.

Printing, to us, was synonymous with innovation, representing an avenue to revolutionize our understanding. Notably, we were pioneers in Armenia, introducing digital color separation, digital offset printing, and secure printing systems. Our printing house's distinctiveness lies in its foundation of knowledge, fostering a continuous stream of inventive ideas alongside a commitment to maintaining high-quality printing standards. Over the years, we successfully published 200 book titles.

Before fully transitioning to printing, our involvement extended to the design of television broadcasts, incorporating computer animation. By 1998, we had become responsible for 90 percent of the animation on Armenian television. Subsequently, we ventured into animation festivals, capitalizing on the burgeoning interest and eagerness to innovate in this evolving field. Eighteen years later, our printing journey came to a close, marking a significant chapter in our trajectory.

I did not choose science; science is in me, and I have dreamed of flying since childhood.

In adolescence, my dream took shape and gained clarity. Initially, I envisioned finding satisfaction in the simple act of flying, whether in a hot air balloon or an airplane. However, as time unfolded, I realized that such experiences were not enough—I desired something more profound. Above all, my yearning was for freedom, a value instilled in me by my father, who championed this ethos in our upbringing. Our family, devoid of pressure, allowed me to seek the same liberation in my pursuits.

Navigating these aspirations, I recognized the presence of boundaries. Yet, comprehending these limits only fueled my belief that nothing is truly impossible. Precision reigns supreme in science but is equally driven by boundless creativity and imagination. I came to understand that a comprehensive engagement with science requires more than just technical expertise; it demands an infusion of artistic expression. I wonder what kind of scientist I would be without my artistic endeavors—without the strokes of my drawings or the melodies of my violin playing. These creative pursuits are not superficial; they form an integral part of my identity and contribute to the depth of my scientific exploration.

Family is a continuation of my thoughts and dreams․․․

I am consistently filled with a sense of fulfillment and harmony with my family, especially my children. At the age of 23, I embarked on the journey of building a family, blessed with three sons. Their upbringing unfolded within an atmosphere steeped in love, reflecting the same values passed down from my father.

In 2015, driven by scientific and business ambitions, our family made the decision to relocate to the USA. That year, we marked the establishment of what would become one of the most advanced digital industrial printing companies in the United States. Subsequently, in 2019, I founded a company that researched and produced aerospace engines and vertical takeoff and landing systems.

The transition brought its share of challenges, especially for the children who struggled to adapt and longed for their homeland, Armenia. Despite the difficulties, my eldest son, inherently drawn to astrophysics, pursued higher education at the California Technical University while contributing to our newly established factory. As the years passed, his thoughts increasingly turned toward returning to Armenia, fulfilling a sense of duty to his homeland.

The business flourished, and in 2018, my son Aren returned to Armenia to fulfill his military duty, prompting my wife and other sons to join him. Meanwhile, I remained in the USA until August 2020, navigating the challenges of adapting to a new life while holding onto the profound ties that bind us to our roots.

I saw the war with very objective eyes.

In September 2020, our focus shifted to establishing a factory in our home country and commencing production, fueled by ambitious dreams. However, the onset of war in the same month drastically altered our priorities. Swiftly, the imperative became defending our nation. Without hesitation, my older brother, his son, and I volunteered on the very first day and headed to Artsakh.

The theater of operations transitioned from Ijevan to Martakert, with my presence initially in Martuni before relocating to Jrakan. My brother and his son assumed positions on the frontline. Tragically, we found ourselves in a blockade, and on October 13th, I sustained severe injuries. The devastating blow came on October 28 when Aren, my nephew, lost his life while bravely saving the commander. Despite his courage, his dreams remained unfulfilled.

In 2021, my wife and I founded the Aren Mehrabyan Charitable Foundation, which organized free courses in aerospace engineering and taught students how to choose a profession and remember the future.

Our lectures aim to guide individuals in envisioning the future and cherishing every moment of life as a modest contribution to the advancement of the Armenian aerospace industry. Before establishing our foundation, we identified several challenges hindering industry growth. We delved into the realm of education, conducting a comprehensive assessment of the field's needs. The conclusion was clear—we required a workforce ranging from 3 to 5 thousand individuals, encompassing both skilled workers and specialists.

From October 2021 onwards, we initiated free aerospace engineering courses, offering non-formal education, with each stage lasting 4-6 months. The program encompasses aerospace programming, satellite development, and three-dimensional modeling. Recognizing another challenge—infrastructure limitations—we embarked on the creation of aerospace laboratories equipped with measuring instruments and simulation systems. Essential facilities include the clean room laboratory and the wind tunnel, addressing critical gaps in our capability and paving the way for a robust aerospace industry in Armenia.

We founded the Armenian Aerospace Agency: we call it the "Armenian NASA."

Our aspirations for space have transitioned from mere dreams to a mission—a mission that necessitates our dedicated efforts in cultivating space generation. The objective is clear: we aim to be at the forefront of the aerospace realm, assuming a leadership role that extends beyond personal ambitions. It is time to shoulder the responsibility of managing our planet.

The vision of the aerospace agency is nothing short of dominating the aerospace space, driven by a profound sense of duty. This opportunity is within our grasp, and I firmly believe that Armenia has the potential to emerge as a space superpower. To realize this vision, my team and I are committed to every possible measure, exemplified by our efforts to launch the AMADEE-24 Mars analog simulation mission in our country. We embrace this responsibility with honor, recognizing its significance in contributing to the advancement of the industry and our collective journey into space.