Deputy Director of Uzbekcosmos joins UCast podcast and explain that Space exploration is different that we imagine. Photo: AI
Uzbekistan is exploring the possibility of launching a constellation of Earth Observation (EO) satellites, according to Mukhriddin Ibragimov, Deputy Director of the national space agency Uzbekcosmos, who spoke on the UCast podcast.
He noted that the domestic market for EO data is still in its infancy, with users limited to Uzbekcosmos, a few government bodies, and an emerging private sector.
«It’s mainly us, a few other state agencies, and a private sector that’s just beginning to take shape,» said Ibragimov.
Uzbekistan is working to integrate space technology into its economic infrastructure, including satellite-based monitoring. Ibragimov emphasized the importance of developing technical self-sufficiency in acquiring and using such data.
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He also highlighted the need to invest in training GIS (Geographic Information System) specialists, a field that dominates the space technology market. Currently, Uzbekistan faces a shortage of skilled professionals capable of processing space-based data effectively.
On satellite launch costs, Ibragimov mentioned that using companies like SpaceX, a single satellite launch could start at $50 mln, depending on technical specifications.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Uzbekistan plans to monitor its environmental conditions from space.
