Uzbekistan is making strides in space exploration with plans to launch a joint scientific satellite in mid-2026 in cooperation with member states of the Organization of Turkic States. The announcement, made by Mukhiddin Ibragimov, Head of the Aerospace Activities Development Department at Uzbekcosmos, underscores the nation’s growing expertise and ambition in the space sector.
-FhKmeIqS.jpg)
“This satellite will not be entirely Uzbekistan-made, but Uzbek specialists are actively contributing to its development,” Ibragimov said at a press conference in Tashkent on January 16. The project aims to enhance Uzbekistan’s skills in satellite assembly, launch, and management while fostering regional collaboration. Uzbek scientists are currently working on a component of the satellite.
The satellite will support research and data collection for various scientific, socio-economic, and environmental purposes. It follows the successful testing of the CubeSat satellite in 2023, conducted in collaboration with facilities in the United Arab Emirates. Uzbekcosmos is also pursuing negotiations with international partners to establish an Earth observation satellite constellation.
Expanding Domestic Space Capabilities
Uzbekistan is rapidly developing its domestic space infrastructure. According to Ibragimov, the country has created a market for processing satellite images covering between 600,000 and 1 mn square kilometers. This demand spans both public and private sectors, supporting areas such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, and urban development.
Additionally, Uzbekcosmos has entered into an agreement with Japan’s Kyushu Institute of Technology to further train local specialists. Seven Uzbek teams will participate in satellite design, assembly, and integration activities this year, building local expertise and strengthening the country’s space capabilities.
Legal Framework for Space Activities
To support its expanding space ambitions, Uzbekistan recently adopted a new law on space activities. Signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the legislation provides a comprehensive framework for regulating space exploration and utilization. It designates Uzbekcosmos as the primary authority responsible for implementing space policies, working alongside the Cabinet of Ministers, the Ministry of Digital Technologies, and the Ministry of Defense.
The law outlines objectives such as promoting socio-economic development, advancing scientific knowledge, and using space technologies for defense, environmental, and commercial purposes. It also establishes guidelines for satellite use, space research, and the management of space rocket complexes.
#Uzbekcosmos #SatelliteLaunch #SpaceExploration #Uzbekistan
Comments (0)