Armenia plans next phase of space program

Armenia is preparing to acquire new satellites as part of the next stage of its national space program, Minister of High-Tech Industry Mkhitar Hayrapetyan has announced.

The state-owned ArmSat-1 satellite, which launched in 2022, completed its mission by the end of 2025. The government is now considering the purchase of new remote-sensing and Earth-imaging satellites, which officials say are of strategic importance for the country.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Hayrapetyan also highlighted the role of locally developed projects, particularly the Hayasat series of satellites, which are being designed and built by Armenian research teams. While the state satellite programme is focused on functional needs, he said domestic initiatives are vital for strengthening national expertise and innovation capacity.

“Hayasat-type satellites are of exceptional importance for us. They represent invaluable value in terms of science, research and innovation, allowing Armenia to design and produce satellites with its own knowledge and capabilities,” the minister said.

He noted that research groups involved in the design and production of Hayasat-2 could benefit from new government tax incentives, as their work qualifies as research and experimental development (R&D).

Hayrapetyan added that Armenia’s technology sector surpassed 1 trillion dram in turnover in 2025, a figure that includes aerospace and drone manufacturing.