In an interview with the Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC), Ksenia Drozdova, Director General of the Intersputnik International Organization of Space Communications, highlighted Azerbaijan's role in developing the space industry, international partnerships, the importance of satellite technologies for the country's economic development, as well as the cooperation with Intersputnik and the contribution of space technologies to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

- In your opinion, what regional and international role has Azerbaijan played in the development of space industry in recent years, and how does this impact technological cooperation in the South Caucasus?

- I assume that the journey made by Azercosmos during last 10 years is a successful one, and represents a good example of a national project that transformed into a regional leadership. National communications satellite projects are often focused on the domestic markets, serving as a satcom infrastructure asset for the government to bridge the digital divide in the country. The are a few such successful stories in the region, including Azerbaijan.

But what makes Azercosmos case so unique – is the unprecedent success of the company on the overseas markets in South Caucasus, Caspian Sea region, Central Asia and even further, in the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa. What is more important, is that Azercosmos, being originally established as a satellite communications operator, also diversifies its space-based products portfolio by adding earth observation and remote sensing services.

- In which areas do you think Azerbaijan’s “Azercosmos” company has the most promising opportunities for cooperation with international space agencies and commercial entities?

- If you look at the status of the current satellite market, the big global commercial players start dominating the industry, even in regions. This is true both for GEO and non-GEO markets.

So, cooperation between the national players in the region and partnership with international intergovernmental organizations are essential to maintain the balance and ensure the interests of the national and regional players are fully met.

- How would you assess the economic and strategic significance of satellite communications, observation, and Earth monitoring technologies for Azerbaijan?

- Azerbaijan is located in the Caucasian mountains and near the Caspian Sea. Both maritime and land-based assets of the country provide a unique opportunity and boost the development of the agriculture and fishing industries making Azerbaijan one of the major exporters in the region. A modern precise farming and smart agriculture, along with harvest prediction analytics are impossible without satellites.

Moreover, satellites play an important role in the industrial and urban development of the country, making Azerbaijan one of the most dynamically developing countries in the region. Satellite communications extend connectivity almost everywhere in the country, raising the level of digital inclusion both for business and individuals.

It is essential, that all these services are provided in the country via Azerbaijan proprietary assets and infrastructure. This creates a center of competence for satellite-based technologies and services, becoming an endless source of training of future personnel for the local space industry. And Azercosmos has leveraged this opportunity brilliantly by establishing a Space Academy at its premises.

- In light of Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29, how do you evaluate the potential of space technologies to contribute to climate monitoring and sustainable development goals?

- Satellite can deliver a great support for reaching sustainable development goals (SDGs) by providing connectivity and developing infrastructure. Most valuable inputs are made to reach the following goals.

Goal 2: Zero Hunger – here satellite is used for smart agriculture and precise farming, increasing efficiency

Goal 3: Good health and well-being – satellite provides instant and reliable connectivity for telemedicine

Goal 4: Quality education – satellite is used to deliver distant learning to most isolated areas

Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure – satellite is widely used for corporate and public networks

Goal 10: Reduced inequalities – satellite internet access comes to many unconnected areas, ensuring digital inclusion of the population living at the edge of digital infrastructure

Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities – satellite provides connectivity infrastructure in remote and isolated areas / communities

Goal 14: Life below water – maritime connectivity in many cases is possible only via satellite

Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals – all of the above is impossible without international cooperation, because of a global wide area reach of satellite communications

- In your opinion, which directions should Azerbaijan prioritize to deepen its integration into the international space ecosystem — scientific research, “New Space” startups, or technology transfer?

- I assume, the training and capacity-building project Space Academy initiated by Azercosmos is the right direction to move. Well educated personnel with a dedicated professional satellite and space industry training - is a blood of the successful national space industry.

With an appropriate technology transfer and quality education - this will boost the scientific research inside the country and result in many new initiatives, inventions and ideas, which will also lead to the development of the startups and New Space projects in Azerbaijan.

-How do you evaluate the potential for expanding cooperation between Azerbaijan/Azercosmos and the Intersputnik International Organization of Space Communications in areas such as satellite communications, joint projects, and sectoral development?

- Intersputnik is an international intergovernmental organization of space communications uniting member countries and Signatories from Eurasia, Latin America and Africa. The Agreement on the Establishment of Intersputnik was registered with the Secretariat of the United Nations.

So, for us international cooperation among our Member States and other players in the satcom industry is very essential. Satellite still plays a relatively minor role in the global connectivity landscape compared to fiber and cellular networks. Only by uniting efforts can the satellite industry take the larger piece of a global telecom infrastructure pie.

And we are very glad and proud that Azercosmos, as a strong regional satcom player, is a Signatory in our Organization on behalf of Azerbaijan, our member country, and is always joining Intersputnik initiatives aimed at boosting international cooperation in the space sector. This includes participation of young Azercosmos professionals in the Intersputnik Youth Far Beyond Borders project and other joint initiatives and events, like the industry capacity-building and training seminar held jointly by our organizations in Baku in September 2025.