Azerbaijani schoolers to launch satellite into orbit with SpaceX rocket for first time

Azerbaijani schoolchildren plan to launch a PocketQube pico-satellite into space orbit via SpaceX carrier rocket in 2025, Report informs, citing the Space Agency (Azercosmos) under Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Digital Development and Transport.

This will take place among 7-9th grade students within the framework of the Azerbaijan National Satellite Innovation Competition, organized by the COSMIC Academy under Azercosmos, with the support of the State Agency for Preschool and General Education under the Ministry of Science and Education, Education Institute, Innovation and Digital Development Agency of the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, PASHA Holding LLC, Brazilian Space Agency and Brazil's IDEIA Space company.

PocketQube satellites were first launched into orbit in November 2013. This launch was carried out through Austria's UniSat-5 platform, and several minisatellites were placed into orbit as part of the project, including WREN (Germany), T-LogoQube (USA), and QBScout-1 (Italy). This concept is not only a product of technological progress but also a symbol of the idea that space belongs to everyone.

These satellites, with a standard size of 5x5x5 cm and weighing approximately 250 grams, are made from durable materials (aluminum alloys, carbon composites) which ensures both mechanical durability and thermal management.

The reduction in orbital launch costs through SpaceX's rideshare program makes the project more economically accessible. The essence of the rideshare program is that small satellites belonging to different customers are launched into orbit simultaneously during a single rocket launch.

Additionally, SpaceX's highly reliable launch platform will ensure the safe delivery of the PocketQube satellite to orbit and enable the successful implementation of the project's technical and scientific objectives.

These initiatives emphasize the integration of Azerbaijani schoolchildren into international space technologies, the significant impact of advanced technologies on education, and the role of steps taken to increase students' digital literacy.

Furthermore, these projects encourage young people from school age to establish new collaborations at local and international levels and to apply their theoretical knowledge to complex projects through practical applications.