Uzbekistan has announced plans to select its first astronaut and launch two Earth observation satellites, marking a major step in developing a national space programme.
The initiatives were presented by Uzbekcosmos during a parliamentary roundtable, outlining a long-term strategy to boost scientific and technological capacity.
Authorities said a nationwide competition will be held to select the country’s first astronaut. Candidates aged 27 to 40 will undergo rigorous medical, psychological and physical testing, with finalists expected to complete training abroad before a short-duration mission focused on scientific research.
Uzbekistan is considering cooperation with countries including the United States, Russia and China for the programme, while a government commission will oversee partner selection and funding.
In parallel, the country plans to launch two high-resolution satellites within the next three to four years. The satellites are expected to support sectors such as agriculture, environmental monitoring and urban planning.
Officials say the projects are designed to strengthen domestic expertise by involving Uzbek specialists in development and operations, reducing reliance on foreign technology.
The combined initiatives signal Uzbekistan’s ambition to become an emerging player in the global space sector.
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