GTU Rector Congratulates the Georgian State and Scientific Community on the Day of the First Georgian Space Object

“Space technologies are globally considered one of the leading directions that combine engineering, materials science, innovation, automation, cybersecurity, and data processing. The fact that Georgia has been among the space countries for 26 years since 1999 has created the basis for several important perspectives, such as: the development of innovative research centers, the introduction of a new standard of engineering education, the deepening of international cooperation, technological integration and the strengthening of the startup ecosystem, which are an integral part of the educational and scientific mission of the Georgian Technical University. The greatest engineering and scientific achievement of July 23, 1999 in the history of independent Georgia – the launch of the first Georgian space object into outer space – is not a past success, it is a fulcrum for the future to solve engineering challenges,” is stated in the address of the Rector of the Georgian Technical University, Academician David Gurgenidze.

The Rector of the Georgian Technical University, Academician David Gurgenidze congratulates the Georgian state, the scientific community, the general designer of the first Georgian space object – the expandable reflector, a full member of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences, Academician, Major General Elguja Medzmariashvili and a group of Georgian scientists on the Day of the First Georgian Space Object and issues an address in connection with the significant date.

As mentioned in David Gurgenidze’s address, a new era in Georgian engineering science began 26 years ago with the launch of the first Georgian space object into outer space—a deployable reflector.

“July 23, 1999, is a significant date in the history of the Georgian Technical University and the scientific development of our country. On this day, the first Georgian space engineering structure, developed by a group of Georgian scientists—a large deployable reflector—was launched into space and entered an independent orbit. This project was carried out at the Georgian Technical University under the direct leadership of Academician Major General Elguja Medzmariashvili.

The Georgian Technical University and its group of scientists made a loud statement about their ability to conduct new research in the field of space technologies and transfer relevant knowledge to future generations. The implementation of a project of global importance has shown that national education and science should also be oriented towards systems engineering, mechatronics, space technologies, and that global initiatives, including satellite communications and radio astronomy, create an opportunity for Georgia to participate in international projects. The achievement has shown that it is possible to develop a new technological business in our country, which includes space systems, microsatellites, and data analytics.

The successful operation of the deployable reflector confirms that it is possible to perform engineering tasks related to modern space technologies in Georgia. The fact that such a complex technological object was created and is still successfully operating in an independent orbit indicates the high professionalism of Georgian scientists and engineers, their ability to combine theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

Today, we can boldly say that the mission of the Georgian Technical University is to create innovative technologies and train specialists who will be able to implement engineering projects that meet international standards. The achievements of 1999 and beyond are a clear confirmation of this, which creates the basis for future research and technological initiatives.

Congratulations on the Day of the First Georgian Space Object!” is noted in David Gurgenidze’s address.

For information, the large-scale experiment “Reflector”, which began 26 years ago at the Georgian Technical University, continues to progress successfully. Academician Major General Elguja Medzmariashvili, along with engineers and researchers from the university, is actively engaged in developing space facilities and military-engineering structures, with strong support from the university administration.

In partnership with the American company EOS Data Analytics, Inc., theoretical and experimental research is ongoing to design and create space reflectors and other space objects. A specialized complex for these projects has been established on university premises within the scientific-educational and production center “Analizkhelsatsho.” Scientific and engineering work has taken place at various times in collaboration with companies such as Daimler Benz Aerospace and Alenia Aerospacio, as well as with the Technical University of Munich. Additionally, the team has fulfilled orders from the European Space Agency to develop various versions of deployable space reflectors.