China’s StarVision to Launch “Samarkand 2028” Satellite for Uzbekistan in May
Chinese company StarVision plans to launch the «Samarkand 2028» satellite as early as May, officials said at the Space Technology Conference 2026 in Tashkent.
An agreement for the hyperspectral satellite launch was signed in December between StarVision and Uzbekistan’s Uzcosmos agency. The deal also includes joint projects in satellite development, expansion of space applications, and closer scientific and technological cooperation.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said the initiative would provide a strong boost to Uzbekistan’s scientific and technological progress and help advance national development.
Uzbekistan is also preparing to send its first astronaut into space. Candidates will be selected based on age, health, education, and physical fitness, as well as language skills.
For missions to the International Space Station, applicants will need proficiency in Russian and English, while flights to China’s orbital station will require Chinese and English.
The selection process will include several stages, beginning with applications followed by medical checks, testing, and specialised assessments, some of which will take place abroad. One main candidate and a backup will be chosen.
Training is expected to last between 10 and 12 months, after which the mission will take place. The spaceflight is planned to last around two weeks, during which participants will conduct scientific research.
