Samarkand-2028 Satellite Set for Launch Off China Coast
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Chinese company STAR.VISION plans to launch the Samarkand-2028 and Lampung-1 hyperspectral satellites on 5 August 2026 from a sea-based launch platform off the coast of China's Shandong province, the press service of the Ministry of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan reported.
The ministry noted that the Samarkand-2028 satellite is a practical result of strategic cooperation between the Uzbekcosmos agency and STAR.VISION, implemented under a signed memorandum.
The spacecraft was named Samarkand-2028 in honor of the decision to host the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Samarkand in 2028, which was adopted at the congress in Sydney, Australia.
As part of the project, Uzbekcosmos specialists developed an artificial intelligence module for the satellite's onboard system. It will process hyperspectral data directly in orbit, which is expected to increase the efficiency of Earth remote sensing.
The satellite's data is intended for use in agriculture, environmental monitoring, natural resource tracking, and other fields.
According to the Ministry of Digital Technologies, the rocket is already stationed aboard the sea launch platform and heading toward the launch site. Preparatory work continues according to the approved schedule.
The Samarkand-2028 satellite project was presented to President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in December 2025. At that time, it was reported that the spacecraft would be used to assess air quality, monitor agricultural land, and observe forest conditions.
