The first Armenian satellite is operational and has already sent images from space, Armenian Deputy Minister of High Tech-Industry Gevorg Mantashyan said at a press conference within the framework of Starmus VI festival, Armenpress reports.
The satellite was launched into orbit thanks to cooperation between the Armenian state Geocosmos company and the Spanish Satlantis.
“The satellite is working, there are photos, but we don’t think there is a need to talk about it at the moment. We have reasons. We know that the satellite is working, we know that it is functioning. Those involved in the project will know this,” Mantashyan said.
Asked whether Armenia plans to launch CubeSats, Mantashyan said the High-Tech Ministry’s strategy is yet to be fully confirmed, but noted that the ministry’s priorities are being clarified during STARMUS itself.
“Such projects require conditions, we must create such conditions for CubeSats,” Mantashyan said.
Satlantis CEO Juan Tomas Hernani said, in turn, that there is a long-term action plan in place.
“The first step has already been made, the satellite was launched into space. We do the planned actions every week because space activities imply moving by a concrete timetable. After the first step we have long-term plans, the next step will be the creation of a factory of Armenian-made satellites. It is clear that these long-term and major programs should be combined with involvement of data and resources,” Hernani said.
