Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took part in the International Space Summit in Paris, where he presented Armenia’s priorities in space, science and technology, according to the government press service.
French President Emmanuel Macron delivered remarks at the opening ceremony. Other participants included European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and other senior officials.
Pashinyan later joined a panel discussion titled “Visions for the Future of Space Infrastructure,” where he said Armenia has entered a new phase in developing its national space capabilities. He noted that in 2022 Armenia launched its first satellite, ARMSAT-1, which was developed using European technologies and placed into orbit by SpaceX. A year later, HAYASAT-1 followed, which he described as the first Armenian satellite fully assembled and tested by Armenian specialists.
According to the prime minister, the Government of Armenia’s 2026-2031 program identifies the development of national space capabilities as a separate strategic goal. Armenia plans to launch at least three satellites — two for Earth observation and one for telecommunications — while also building its own ground infrastructure and domestic capabilities in satellite control, data reception, processing and analysis.
Pashinyan said Armenia also plans to establish a distributed network of ground stations to serve not only the country’s national needs, but also support international space missions and growing demand for satellite data and services.
Looking ahead, he said Armenia wants to take a more active role in international space programs, enabling Armenian engineers and companies to contribute to the design, engineering and production of complex systems and equipment used in space research.
He also noted that Armenia’s 2026-2030 strategic program for the development of the scientific sector classifies space and aerospace technologies as strategic priorities. Those areas include Earth observation, satellite communications, space situational awareness, navigation technologies and other emerging fields.
The speech also highlighted the growing convergence between space and artificial intelligence. Pashinyan said Armenia is developing a broader national concept for an “AI factories park” aimed at creating an ecosystem of advanced computing and AI capabilities to support research, innovation and technological development. In that context, he said the Firebird AI factory, developed in cooperation with NVIDIA, has recently opened in Armenia.
Pashinyan described the Academic City, which Armenia is developing as a new academic and research ecosystem, as another key part of that transformation. He said it is intended to bring together universities, research institutions, students, researchers, international partners and the private sector to build stronger links between education, science and industry.
In closing, the prime minister said the expansion of the global space economy should be accompanied by broader access to its benefits. He reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to investing in science and human capital and to strengthening international partnerships so that space science, technology and data contribute to sustainable development and a better future.
