Russia to Support Uzbekistan’s First Satellite, Astronaut

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Russia has expressed readiness to provide comprehensive support to Uzbekistan in implementing its space initiatives, including training the country’s first national astronaut and launching an artificial satellite, according to TASS, citing First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.

He said the Russian side intends to leverage its accumulated experience and expertise to assist in the implementation of these projects.

Manturov recalled that late last year President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev set the task of sending the country’s first astronaut into near-Earth orbit and launching its first national satellite.

He noted that Russia, as Uzbekistan’s strategic partner, supports these plans and is prepared to take part in their practical realization.

Earlier in February, the Uzbek president reviewed a presentation outlining the initial stages of the country’s space program. It included a project for the development of the first national scientific satellite as part of efforts to strengthen scientific and technological capacity.

According to the proposals presented, the program also includes training specialized personnel and forming an engineering team. The launch of a scientific satellite named “Mirzo Ulugbek” in a 6U CubeSat format is scheduled for 2028.

Mukhiddin Ibrokhimov, Deputy Director of the Space Research and Technology Agency “Uzbekcosmos,” previously stated that candidates for spaceflight will be subject to strict selection requirements.