ТASHKENT, February 16. /Dunyo IA/.  President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on the initial stages of work to launch an artificial satellite into space and to train the first Uzbek cosmonaut, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the press service of the Head of our State, as noted, global competition has reached a new level, and the economic strength of states is now measured not by natural resources, but by intellectual potential and technology. Space development has become a strategically significant area.

Although the use of space data in the country began relatively recently, significant practical results have been achieved in a short period of time. A state space monitoring system operating in a proactive mode has been launched.

At the same time, it was noted that demand for remote sensing data has tripled over the past five years. Currently, more than 10 government agencies and all hokimiyats are working with the space monitoring system.

“Most importantly, through space data, we identify economic opportunities invisible to the naked eye and turn them into a real source of income. This indicates that the mechanisms and culture of public resource management are changing”, President said.

In addition, the importance of establishing a long-term and sustainable national system in the space sector – including satellite management infrastructure, data processing, and their practical application – was emphasized. The goal is to provide the country with a sovereign and objective source of information.

To date, the experience of other countries has been studied, and technical requirements for the future satellite's accuracy and payload have been defined.

The presentation also reviewed a project to create the first national scientific satellite as part of efforts to strengthen scientific and technological capacity. It was proposed to train specialists and form an engineering team, and to launch the Mirzo Ulugbek scientific satellite in the 6U format in 2028.

At the initiative of the Head of State, training the first national cosmonaut and organizing his spaceflight have been identified as strategic objectives.

“This will not merely be a symbolic step, but a manifestation of our country’s scientific potential, the ambitions of our youth, and national pride”, the President said.

It was proposed to prepare a national cosmonaut for a short-term spaceflight lasting 10-14 days, and prospects for international cooperation in organizing such missions were considered.

It was noted that the spaceflight of a national cosmonaut should be inextricably linked with the implementation of a specific scientific program. This achievement should not only enhance the country’s international image, but also contribute to the development of scientific capacity, the emergence of new projects and technological initiatives, and an increase in young people’s interest in science and technology.

As areas of research that could be conducted during the Uzbek cosmonaut’s stay in space, proposals included medicine and biology (remote diagnostics, studying the effectiveness of local medicinal extracts), plant genetics (testing drought- and salt-resistant varieties, modeling closed agro-biosystems), as well as materials science (testing materials, fabrics, and fibers for heat accumulation and dissipation).

The issue of holding the International Astronautical Congress in Samarkand in 2028 was also addressed. Leading space organizations from the United States, Europe, China, India, Russia, and other countries expressed interest in participating.

Officials were instructed to ensure high-level preparations for this international event.

Following the presentation, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed responsible officials to thoroughly develop calculations and practical proposals for satellite launch projects and the training of a national cosmonaut.