Azerbaijan, US chart new frontiers in space collaboration

Azerbaijan and the United States held discussions on expanding cooperation in the space sector, focusing on deepening their partnership.

According to information from Azercosmos, shared with local media, Azerbaijan’s leading satellite operator and part of AZCON Holding, a meeting took place between Azercosmos leadership and the US Chargé d'Affaires in Azerbaijan.

During the meeting, the parties reviewed Azercosmos’ ongoing collaboration with SpaceX, a major US space company, and explored ways to continue this cooperation through upcoming satellite projects. They also exchanged ideas about joint commercial initiatives and activities involving the US government and Azercosmos.

Additionally, the discussion covered potential collaboration between Azercosmos’ KOSMIK Academy—an innovation and incubation centre—and similar US programs, highlighting opportunities to foster innovation and knowledge exchange.

Azercosmos, the first satellite operator in the Caucasus region, plays a vital role in Azerbaijan’s status in the global satellite industry, offering satellite imagery and geoinformation services.

A milestone for Azerbaijan came on January 12, 2024, when it officially registered its own orbital position at 46° east longitude. This included transferring management of the C and Ku frequency bands of the Azerspace-1 satellite from Malaysia to Azerbaijan, marking the country’s first and only orbital slot.

Looking forward, Azercosmos plans to launch its Azersky-2 satellite in 2026, with further satellites, Azersky 2A and 2B, scheduled for future deployment. The agency also launched Azerbaijan’s first platform for monitoring climate change from space on April 5, 2024.

In November 2024, Azercosmos further strengthened its international role by hosting a summit of space agencies during the 29th UN Climate Change Conference held in Baku, showcasing its growing influence in global space initiatives.

By Tamilla Hasanova