Uzbekistan to launch its own satellite by 2028

Uzbekistan plans to launch its first scientific and technical satellite into orbit by 2028, reports UPL citing Kazinform. The announcement was made by Muhiddin Ibragimov, deputy director of the Uzbekcosmos agency.

The country is currently in talks with leading aerospace company SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk. Collaboration with the global space leader offers Uzbekistan new opportunities in high-tech development.

According to Ibragimov, launching a satellite requires careful planning and early reservation of launch windows, due to limited availability among global space agencies.

It’s crucial to sign agreements on time and prepare technical specifications. An important aspect of the project is workforce development — in 2024, seven Uzbek students began studying in a master’s program at Kyushu Institute of Technology in Japan. They are expected to design, assemble, and prepare the satellite for launch. If their studies are completed by 2027, the launch may occur before 2028.

The satellite may also be launched under collaboration with the Organization of Turkic States. Uzbekistan joined the international space treaty in 2023 and signed a bilateral agreement with Kazakhstan in 2022.