Space

13 May 2003

Text: U.S. Announces Grant for Armenian Space Science Project

($275,980 from TDA will fund feasibility study) (480)
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency has granted $275,980 to fund a
feasibility study of the technical, economic, and financial aspects of
a proposed space science project to be based in Garni, Armenia, TDA
announced in a May 13 press release.
The project would be developed in two phases. The first entails the
construction and operation of a satellite earth station, which is to
be operated on a commercial basis. The second involves the design,
development, and installation of a space telescope -- the "Ultraviolet
Sky Atlas" -- which TDA says would make "a major contribution to the
field of modern astrophysics."
Following is the text of the press release:
(begin text)
U.S. Trade and Development Agency
Washington, DC 
May 13, 2003
USTDA Grant Supports Armenian Satellite Project
YEREVAN, ARMENIA - (May 13, 2003) Earlier today, U.S. Ambassador John
Ordway and Armenian Space Research Center Director Dr. Vahe Gurzadyan
signed a grant agreement whereby the U.S. Trade and Development Agency
(USTDA) will provide $275,980 for a feasibility study on a satellite
and space project to be based in Garni, Armenia. The grant signing
took place during a press conference at the conclusion of the biannual
meeting of the U.S.-Armenia Task Force on Economic Cooperation in
Yerevan.
The USTDA-funded study will examine the technical, economic, and
financial aspects of a proposed project to establish a satellite earth
station and space ultraviolet telescope. A committee established by
the Space Research Center will select a U.S. firm through a
competitive process to conduct the study. The project, which will have
both commercial and scientific uses, will capitalize on Armenia's
strengths in both the information technology sector and in scientific
research.
The project is to be developed in two phases. The first will entail
the construction and operation of a satellite receiving and control
station, which will operate on a commercial basis. The second phase
will involve the design, development, and installation of a space
ultraviolet telescope. One of the key goals of the second phase is to
produce an Ultraviolet Sky Atlas, which would be a major contribution
to the field of modern astrophysics.
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency advances economic development
and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle-income
countries. The agency funds various forms of technical assistance,
feasibility studies, training, orientation visits and business
workshops that support the development of a modern infrastructure and
a fair and open trading environment. USTDA's strategic use of foreign
assistance funds to support sound investment policy and
decision-making in host countries creates an enabling environment for
trade, investment and sustainable economic development. In carrying
out its mission, USTDA gives emphasis to economic sectors that may
benefit from U.S. exports of goods and services.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)