Azerbaijan’s Space Sector: Overview and Recommendations for its Future Development

Paper number

IAC-23,E3,3,9,x77375

Author

Mr. Kais Barmawi, International Space University (ISU), France

Coauthor

Ms. Eleonora Zanus, International Space University (ISU), France

Coauthor

Mr. James Xie, International Space University (ISU), Canada

Coauthor

Mr. Xosé Manuel Tomé Castro, International Space University (ISU), France

Coauthor

Mr. Martin Smye-Rumsby, International Space University (ISU), France

Coauthor

Ms. Laura Morelli, International Space University (ISU), Italy

Coauthor

Ms. Sarah Jacob, International Space University (ISU), France

Coauthor

Mr. Nicolas Peter, International Space University (ISU), France

Year

2023

Abstract

Azerbaijan is an emerging space country with regional ambitions. Its national space agency, Azercosmos, owns two communication satellites, an Earth observation satellite, dedicated ground stations infrastructure and has thus gained momentum as a space leader in the Caucasus, providing services to clients worldwide. Hosting the IAC 2023 in Baku, there is an opportunity for Azerbaijan to form stronger international collaborations and stimulate growth in its space industry. 

Azerbaijan’s 2030 national strategy prioritizes diversifying from its oil-based economy, supporting sustainable development, and improving national security, with a focus on high-growth sectors such as information and communications technologies, and science and technology. The space sector thus provides an opportunity for Azerbaijan to target its national 2030 national strategy goals by integrating space data and technologies with other major sectors such as agriculture, providing connectivity across the country, and stimulating interest in STEM capacity building activities.

Trends in Azercosmos’ commercial and partnership activities were analyzed to understand gaps in economic policies and law that would enable further growth in the space sector if bridged. An analysis of  the Azeri space ecosystems has also been made with steps identified to grow local upstream and downstream capabilities.

As the government continues to invest in Azerbaijan’s space sector, with a new Earth observation satellite planned to launch in the upcoming years, this paper will present multiple recommendations to support the development of the Azerbaijan space industry including maturing Azerbaijan’s national space laws; providing policy and law foundations to promote space startup ecosystem development and integrate space data into other sectors. Furthermore, using space activities to promote STEM education and capacity building activities were also identified as essential for enabling a sustainable future for the local space industry.

This paper provides thus an overview of the space activities within Azerbaijan to-date including the current policy, legal and economic context. The paper also assesses the rationales for further space activities from a national and international perspective, and provides policy, economic, and legislative recommendations for the future growth of Azerbaijan’s space sector aligned with these rationales.

Abstract document

IAC-23,E3,3,9,x77375.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-23,E3,3,9,x77375.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.