Azerbaijan has launched its first-ever student-built satellite into orbit, marking a new milestone for the country’s growing space sector.
The satellite, named “Azərbaycanın Zəfəri” (“Azerbaijan’s Victory”), was deployed aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, officials announced at a briefing on Wednesday.
Imran Mukhtarov, head of the KOSMIK Academy under the national space agency Azercosmos, said the project represents a breakthrough for youth participation in space science and engineering.
The device follows the PocketQube standard – a miniature satellite measuring 5×5×5 cm and weighing roughly 250 grams. Built from durable materials such as aluminum alloys and carbon composites, the satellite is designed to withstand mechanical stress and maintain stable temperatures in orbit.
PocketQube satellites were first launched in 2013, but Azerbaijan’s entry into the class signals what officials describe as a significant step in expanding national capabilities in education, R&D, and applied space technologies.
