Space Technology Conference 2026 Unites Global Leaders in Tashkent

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The International Space Technology Conference 2026 was held in Tashkent, emerging as one of the largest regional platforms for the space sector. The event united representatives from scientific, industrial, and investment communities, becoming a strategic hub for collaboration in the region.

Approximately 500 delegates from more than 15 countries participated, including Russia, China, the USA, France, Japan, South Korea, India, Oman, Singapore, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, and Myanmar. Around 40 leading international companies active in the global space market attended, including Axiom Space, Planet Labs, Capella Space, Airbus, Eutelsat, Synspective, and the China Academy of Space Technology.

The conference featured over 100 meetings focused on bilateral cooperation, investment attraction, and joint project implementation. Key topics included national space programs, investment opportunities, and the future development of the industry in Central Asia. Special briefings were conducted by Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan.

Notable participation included the heads of three international organizations: Christian Feichtinger, Executive Director of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF); Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States; and Jiang Huei, Secretary General of APSCO. Their presence strengthened both regional and global collaboration in the space sector.

The conference also hosted the Central Asian Youth Forum on Space-Based Drought Monitoring, where young specialists discussed applying space technologies to climate change mitigation, water resource monitoring, and agriculture. The forum emphasized youth engagement in innovative projects and the development of technological thinking.

Prominent astronauts Michael López-Alegría and Alper Gezeravcı drew significant attention. Michael López-Alegría, one of NASA’s most experienced astronauts, completed six space missions, spent over 296 days in space, and holds the record for ten spacewalks. Alper Gezeravcı became the first Turkish astronaut, symbolically advancing his nation’s space program.

Space Technology Conference 2026 highlighted Tashkent’s emergence as a key hub for space technologies and innovation in Central Asia. The event demonstrated the region’s strong potential for active participation in the global space industry and for enhancing international scientific and technological cooperation.