President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the initial stages of work related to launching an artificial satellite and preparing the first national cosmonaut.
It was noted that global competition has reached today a new level, and the economic strength of states is measured not by natural resources, but by intellectual potential and technology. Space development has become one of the strategically important areas.
Although the use of space data in Uzbekistan began not so long ago, significant practical results have been achieved in a short period. A proactive state space monitoring system has been launched.
It was noted that over the past five years, demand for remote sensing data has tripled, and more than ten state agencies, along with all regional administrations, are now utilizing the space monitoring system.
“The most important thing is that through space data, we identify economic opportunities invisible to the naked eye and turn them into a tangible source of income. This demonstrates that the mechanisms and culture of managing state resources are changing,” the President noted.
At the same time, the importance of forming a long-term and sustainable national system in the space sector was emphasized, including infrastructure for satellite control, data processing, and their practical application. The goal is to provide our country with a sovereign and objective source of information.
To date, international experience has been studied, and the technical requirements for the accuracy and payload of the future satellite have been determined.
The presentation also reviewed a project to develop the first national scientific satellite as part of strengthening the country’s scientific and technological potential. It was proposed to train specialists and form an engineering team, as well as to launch the 6U-format “Mirzo Ulugbek” scientific satellite in 2028.
On the initiative of the Head of state, the preparation of the first national cosmonaut and the organization of a space flight were identified as a strategic task.
“This will not merely be a symbolic step, but a reflection of our country’s scientific potential, the ambitions of our youth, and our national pride,” the President said.
It was proposed to prepare a national cosmonaut for a short-term space flight lasting 10 to 14 days, and the prospects for international cooperation in organizing such flights were considered.
It was noted that the flight of a national cosmonaut into space must be closely linked with the implementation of a specific scientific program. This achievement should not only enhance our country’s international image but also serve the development of scientific potential, the emergence of new projects and technological initiatives, and increase the interest of young people in science and technology.
As areas of research to be conducted during the Uzbek cosmonaut’s stay in space, medicine and biology (remote diagnostics and the study of the effectiveness of local medicinal extracts), plant genetics (testing drought- and salt-resistant varieties and modeling closed agro-biosystems), and materials science (testing materials, fabrics, and fibers for heat accumulation and dissipation) were proposed.
The issue of holding the International Astronautical Congress in Samarkand in 2028 was also discussed. Leading space organizations from the USA, Europe, China, India, Russia, and other countries have expressed interest in participating.
Responsible officials were instructed to ensure high-level preparations for this international event.
At the conclusion of the presentation, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed the relevant officials to develop comprehensive calculations and practical proposals for the satellite launch and the preparation of a national cosmonaut.