Uzbekistan enters space race with plans for satellite and first astronaut

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has announced that, for the first time in the country’s history as an independent state, work has begun on launching an artificial satellite and preparing the first Uzbek astronaut, a citizen of Uzbekistan, Caliber.Az reported the statement, citing Uzbek media.

Mirziyoyev also said that next year, four data centres will be opened in Tashkent, Bukhara, Fergana, and the Tashkent Region. In addition, two supercomputers and artificial intelligence laboratories will be established at 15 universities. These initiatives are expected to enable the implementation of more than 100 artificial intelligence projects in the fields of medicine, transport, agriculture, geology, finance, and public security.

To support talented young people, a “Digital Technologies Centre” will be created, where their projects in quantum technologies, drones, and robotics will be implemented.

“Today I would like to announce another important piece of news. For the first time in the history of independent Uzbekistan, we have begun work on launching an artificial satellite and preparing the first Uzbek astronaut. This will provide a powerful impetus for the country’s scientific and technological development and raise national progress to a new level,” Mirziyoyev said.

By Tamilla Hasanova