Azercosmos Announces Leadership Transition

Baku, Azerbaijan, March 19, 2025 - Azercosmos, Azerbaijan’s space agency, has announced a leadership transition as Samaddin Asadov steps down as Chair of the Board. Asadov, who played a key role in expanding the agency’s global presence and advancing satellite communications, has been appointed Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan by presidential order.

During this transition, Dunay Badirkhanov will oversee operations to maintain continuity and uphold the agency’s commitment to innovation and excellence. Badirkhanov, a seasoned industry expert, has been with Azercosmos since 2011, contributing to the launch and operations of Azerbaijan’s first satellite, Azerspace-1. He has since held various leadership roles, including Director of Satellite and Ground-Based Systems and, since 2018, Vice-Chair of the Board.

Beyond Azercosmos, Badirkhanov is actively involved in international space initiatives. He has contributed to the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) since 2019, serving as Co-Chair of the International Programme Committee and an executive member of the organising team for the 74th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) held in Baku in 2023. He is also a member of the Space Communications and Navigation Committee (SCAN) and the Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Administrative Committee (IDEA). In recognition of his contributions, the IAF honored him as a Young Space Leader in 2021.