Although the space industry of Azerbaijan is just emerging, the roots of our space activities go back to as far as the 13th century. Delve deeper into the history to learn more about the development of the space sector in Azerbaijan and the establishment of Azercosmos.
The Maragha Astronomical Observatory was built in 1259 under the leadership of a great philosopher, scientist and astronomer Nasraddin Tusi.
1259
Named after the great Azerbaijani astronomer Nasraddin Tusi, the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory was established in 1959 and helps to study the physics of stars, investigate the solar system bodies, solar physics and solar-terrestrial relations.
1959
By the initiative of the National Leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev, the 24th IAC was successfully held in Baku in 1973. Baku is the only city in the region that hosted this prominent event .
1973
The State Program on the Establishment and Development of the Space Industry in the Republic of Azerbaijan was approved by Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, boosting the process of further development of the aerospace industry in the country.
2009
Azercosmos, the national satellite operator of Azerbaijan was established on May 3, 2010.
2010
The first-ever satellite of Azerbaijan – Azerspace-1 was launched into space on February 8, 2013, from Guiana Space Centre located in French Guiana.
2013
Earth Observation satellite Azersky was successfully launched into orbit on June 30, 2014 from Satish Dhawan Space Center.
2014
The third satellite of Azerbaijan – Azerspace-2 was successfully launched into the orbit on September 26, 2018, from the Guiana Space Centre located in French Guiana.
2018
At the General Assembly of the International Astronautical Federation in Washington, D.C, Baku was selected as the host city of the International Astronautical Congress in 2023.
2019
Azercosmos was transformed into the Space Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan by a Presidential Decree.
2021
On 4 August 2023, the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Space Activities was approved by Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
2023