Space Legacy
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
Establishment of the Maragha Observatory
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
Establishment of the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory
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
24th Congress of the International Astronautical Federation
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
State Program on the Establishment and Development of Space Industry in the Republic of Azerbaijan
Azercosmos, the national satellite operator of Azerbaijan was established on May 3, 2010.
2010
Establishment of Azercosmos
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
The Launch of the Azerspace-1 Telecommunication Satellite
Earth Observation satellite Azersky was successfully launched into orbit on June 30, 2014 from Satish Dhawan Space Center.
2014
The Launch of the Azersky Earth Observation Satellite
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
The Launch of the Azerspace-2 Telecommunication Satellite
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
Baku Wins the Right to Host IAC
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Azercosmos was transformed into the Space Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan by a Presidential Decree.
2021