YEREVAN, OCTOBER 23, ARMENPRESS. In April this year, a memorandum was signed between the Austrian Space Forum and the Aerospace Agency of Armenia in Yerevan, according to which the prestigious analog Mars simulation mission AMADEE-24 in the field of space will be held in Armenia from March 5 to April 8 of 2024. Armenpress spoke with Hayk Aslanyan, a member of the Armenian initiative group for the Mars mission, about the details of the event, its goals, and Armenia’s ambitions on the global space map.

- Mr. Aslanyan, tell us about the prehistory and decision to hold AMADEE-24 in Armenia.

- My interest in the space sector has been a constant in my journey. After earning my Master's Degree from the Faculty of Informatics and Applied Mathematics at Yerevan State University, I spent several years working as a programmer. My fascination with this field grew during my military service, particularly as a satellite technical analyst. Subsequently, I continued my career as a programmer in various countries outside Armenia until 2017. That year, I took a significant step by establishing my own software company while joining the Ministry of Education and Culture as an adviser focusing on the space sector.

In 2017, I actively participated in the first Armenian satellite program, "Armsat-1." Notably, the Armenian satellite is entirely owned by the Republic of Armenia, from the control center to the receiving station, ensuring complete Armenian control over the data. The year 2021 marked another milestone as the Armenian delegation, with its pavilion, took part in the International Aerospace Federation Congress in Dubai, followed by the 2022 event in Paris. This global congress is a crucial international gathering that attracts participation from the world's major space players. It was a pivotal moment for Armenia, signifying the commencement of its return to the space arena and reconnecting with its space history.

Witnessing our involvement in the space sector, a friend connected us with the founding president of the Austrian Space Forum, Gernot Groemer. After agreeing, we initiated contact over the phone, introduced ourselves, and learned about AMADEE-24, discovering that Australia, Egypt, and Tunisia were already candidate countries. We promptly proposed Armenia as a candidate, highlighting our rich space history and the advantages of hosting the event in our country. I vividly recall the start of negotiations on October 7. Just a month later, on November 7, they visited Armenia for the first time. During this initial visit, we and the delegation consulted with the director of the Institute of Geology at the National Academy of Sciences, who suggested seven suitable sites. After conducting measurements and studies, they confirmed that Armenia met the necessary conditions. Swiftly, we became a candidate country, ultimately securing Armenia as the chosen venue. On April 17 of the same year, the delegation returned for the third time, and we finalized the agreement.

The year 2021 held particular significance as it brought me in contact with Mher Mehrabyan during the "Engineering Week" event in Engineering City. I was amazed to find someone in Armenia dedicating their life to the space industry, actively contributing to the development of new-generation space engines. Our connection deepened, and in January, Mher Mehrabyan established the "Armenian Aerospace Agency." Subsequently, the "Armenian Space Forum Foundation" was formed to financially support space-related events, including AMADEE-24, with initial investments already directed toward building human resources. Presently, our colleagues are in Austria, actively participating in the preparation process for the upcoming event.

- What is AMADEE-24, and what will it give to Armenia?

AMADEE stands as the flagship research program of the Austrian Space Forum, striving to advance equipment, operational processes, and scientific studies for space exploration under simulated extraterrestrial conditions on Earth. These endeavors lay the groundwork for future missions to Mars. An impressive roster of 250 scientists from Armenia and beyond will participate in the mission hosted here. The analog astronaut flight crew boasts leading scientists from Austria, Germany, the UK, Italy, and Israel.

A mere few years ago, the notion of "space" invoked laughter. It's crucial to recognize that tackling intricate challenges in this field also resolves other complex problems. This sector offers substantial value creation with minimal human resources. Armenia is actively addressing complicated program problems related to space. Within two decades, it envisions itself as a space superpower. The inaugural launch of the first Armenian satellite on May 26 marked our initial steps, garnering significant domestic and global attention.

AMADEE-24, slated for the near future, will underscore the burgeoning potential of this field. The recently announced Global Analog event in September 2025, to be held simultaneously across the globe, further cements Armenia's commitment to space exploration. Post-AMADEE-24, Armenia intends to officially declare its participation in the Global Analogue 2025 event, actively gearing up for the occasion.

Amid the current crisis, this event is more critical than ever for Armenia. The significance goes beyond the realm of space exploration, extending to the development of our military industry. Consistent efforts are imperative to enhance Armenia's recognition in this field, elevate our country's reputation, and foster the education of a new, knowledgeable "space generation." Notably, Armenians have made their mark in prestigious space organizations such as Roscosmos, the European Space Agency, NASA, and JAXA, exemplified by figures like Alexander Kemurjyan, Grigor Gurzadyan, Andronik Iosifyan, James Bagian, and Harutyun Kiviryan. This rich cosmic history underscores our potential.

AMADEE-24 is not merely scientifically significant but also educational. It allows young Armenians to intern in Austria, with collaborations persisting beyond the event. This initiative focuses on developing skills in science and technology, laying the foundation for a qualified generation dedicated to space activities in Armenia. The ultimate goal is to enable our country to execute its space programs, including launching Armenian spacecraft and satellites into outer space, propelling Armenia toward its vision of becoming a formidable space superpower.

- How are the preparatory work for AMADEE-24 going, and at what stage are we?

- From August 31 to September 3, Armenia actively participated in the first rehearsal of the AMADEE-24 mission held in Austria. This event served not only as a rehearsal but also as an opportunity for exchanging experiences. Notably, scientific experiments were conducted under conditions resembling those on Mars, utilizing mechanisms designed for the Red Planet. The forum showcased various hydroponic robotic equipment for plant growth and air analyzers and even presented the intricacies of astronaut attire, which takes up to 3-4 hours to put on. The forum aimed to create awareness and generate interest in the space sector. Notably, there was nothing during the Austrian event that we couldn't replicate in Armenia.

Another visit is scheduled for January, where we plan to present a dedicated pavilion showcasing Armenia's potential. Thanks to the support of the Alen Mehrabyan Foundation, we have organized numerous professional courses and are actively seeking new partners. The more partners we gather, the more successfully we can represent ourselves globally and demonstrate that hosting AMADEE-24 in Armenia was worthwhile.

The study location in Armenia has been selected and confirmed in the Ararat region, on a high rocky plateau. This site was chosen for its geological and topographical similarities to Mars. Preparatory work and construction will commence soon to establish a robust infrastructure meeting mission standards. Everything must be meticulously planned to ensure a flawless environment for a highly trained team of analog astronauts to experiment with spacecraft simulators, preparing for future human and robotic Mars exploration missions.

- Who can participate in AMADEE-24?

- We launched a competition, and to our delight, over a hundred participants joined in, with the majority being students. These enthusiastic individuals participated in specialized training courses, and there were no limitations on who could participate. From this pool, we've already chosen ten participants for the mission. Looking ahead to 2025, following the events of 2024, we anticipate even more substantial activity and interest in the industry. It presents the perfect chance to make Armenia's name resonate in the global space industry.

- How do you see the aerospace future of Armenia? What are the prerequisites and prospects for the development of the industry?

- Soon, we envision multiple companies operating globally, thanks to the regular international professional events we host. Armenia aims to become a prominent player in the world of space, establishing a unique position and voice that will contribute significantly to our country's economic development. What are the critical ingredients for this ambitious goal? Simple: desire and will. Progress will come step by step. This year, we launched a master's program in Aerospace Engineering in Armenia, nurturing a new workforce for the industry. I'm confident that these individuals will be drawn in like a magnet, ready to contribute their skills with every significant step. Our strength lies not only in knowledge but also in the motivation and enthusiasm of our people. It all starts with believing in ourselves, embracing our dreams fearlessly, and overcoming any doubts about the scale of our aspirations.