Uzbekistan plans to launch a national satellite and an astronaut into space by 2028.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on the initial stage of work to launch an artificial satellite into space and prepare the country’s first cosmonaut.

During the presentation, it was noted that in modern conditions, a state’s competitiveness is determined by the level of its intellectual potential and technological development, and space exploration has become a strategically important area. Although the use of space data in the country began relatively recently, significant practical results have already been achieved in a short period. In particular, a state space monitoring system operating in a proactive mode has been launched.

Over the past five years, demand for remote sensing data has tripled. Currently, more than ten government agencies and all khokimiyats (regional administrations) are working with the space monitoring system.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan
The most important thing is that through space data, we identify economic opportunities invisible to the naked eye and turn them into a real source of income. This indicates that the mechanisms and culture of managing state resources are changing.

This will not be merely a symbolic step, but a manifestation of our country’s scientific potential, the ambitions of our youth, and national pride.

To date, international experience has been studied and technical requirements for the future satellite have been defined. As part of efforts to strengthen the scientific and technological potential, a project to create the first national scientific satellite in the 6U format, with a planned launch in 2028, has been considered. To this end, it has been proposed to train specialists and form an engineering team.

At the initiative of the head of state, the preparation of the first national cosmonaut and the organization of his space flight have been designated as a strategic task. It was noted that the flight should be linked to the implementation of a specific scientific program and contribute to the development of science, technology, and youth interest in STEM fields.

Possible areas of research include medicine and biology, plant genetics, and materials science. Additionally, the issue of holding the International Astronautical Congress in Samarkand in 2028 was discussed. Leading space organizations from several countries have expressed interest in participating. Following the presentation, the President instructed responsible officials to thoroughly develop calculations and practical proposals for satellite launch projects and the preparation of the national cosmonaut.

Source: president.uz