The opening ceremony of the Azerbaijan National Satellite Innovation Competition and the first session of the Training of Trainers were held

On December 16, the official opening ceremony of the "Azerbaijan National Satellite Innovation Competition" and the first session of the Training of Trainers (TOT) program were held. The series of training sessions will continue from December 16 to 20, 2024. The competition is organized by Azercosmos’ SPACE Academy with the support of the Digital Development and Innovation Agency, the Institute of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the State Agency for Preschool and General Education, the Brazilian Space Agency, and IDEIA Space. 

The event was attended by state representatives, the official delegation of IDEIA Space, and teachers of 80 general education centers. The guests who attended the opening ceremony spoke about the importance of the competition and its role in contributing to the country’s scientific and technological development in the future.

Dunay Badirkhanov, Vice-Chairman of Azercosmos, emphasized that the project provides a great opportunity to enhance the scientific and technological skills of Azerbaijani schoolchildren. Rashad Khaligov, Deputy Chairman of the Digital Development and Innovation Agency, noted that the competition will increase the potential of Azerbaijani youth in the field of innovation and technology. 

Paolo Gessini, Director of the Brazilian Space Agency, and Leonardo Souza, CEO of IDEIA Space, highlighted the importance of the competition in terms of international cooperation. 

At the opening ceremony, Imran Mukhtarov, the Head of SPACE Academy, presented the goals and stages of the competition. He also provided detailed information about the 5-day Training of Trainers (TOT) program organized for facilitator teachers. 

The "Azerbaijan National Satellite Innovation Competition" is carried out based on the training program of IDEIA Space, within the framework of the cooperation between Azercosmos’ SPACE Academy and the Brazilian Space Agency. A total of 650 schoolchildren from 40 private and public schools will take part in the competition. The schoolchildren will design "PocketQube" pico-satellites in line with international standards and engage in the development of space missions. The 101st satellite, developed by the winning team, will be launched into space orbit by a carrier rocket.   

As part of the project, schoolchildren will gain both theoretical and practical knowledge in programming, project management, electronics, and satellite design, while also improving their teamwork skills. 

This competition will encourage the young generation in Azerbaijan to show interest in space exploration and innovative technologies and will make a significant contribution to the country’s scientific development. The competition will further strengthen Azerbaijan's international position in the space field and support the development of young talents in this field.