May 2025

As part of its longstanding tradition, AESA-NE recognized distinguished individuals of Armenian descent, or those closely connected to Armenia, who have made significant contributions in their professional fields, especially in STEM. Hovhannes Mardirossian, AESA-NE’s Science and Technology Chairman, introduced this year’s Guest of Honor, Dr. Mary Hrachoohi Boghosian. A recipient of numerous Excellence Awards and the Founder and Director of Armenia’s Center for Innovation Promotion and Research, Dr. Boghosian was celebrated for her distinguished career in aerospace science and engineering, spanning decades at NASA, the Aerospace Corporation, and most recently in Armenia.

In her keynote speech, Dr. Boghosian captivated the audience with a compelling account of her efforts to advance Armenia’s space program since 2015, which led to the successful launch of CubeSat satellites. (CubeSats are small satellites, typically 10 x 10 x 10 cm in size, that operate in low Earth orbit and beyond.)