Uzbekistan to launch first 6U-format scientific satellite in 2028

By Kanyshai Butun

ISTANBUL (AA) - Uzbekistan plans to launch its first 6U-format scientific satellite, named after Mirzo Ulugbek, a 15th-century astronomer and ruler of the Timurid Empire, in 2028, and to train its first cosmonaut, the country’s presidential press service reported Monday.

A 6U-format satellite is a small CubeSat, roughly the size of a large shoebox, commonly used for scientific research and technology demonstrations in low Earth orbit.

“This will not just be a symbolic step, but an embodiment of our country’s scientific potential, the ambitions of our youth, and national pride,” Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said while reviewing a presentation on the initial stages of the project.

According to the press service, the proposed plan envisions training a national cosmonaut for a short-term spaceflight lasting 10 to 14 days. Prospects for international cooperation in organizing such a mission were also discussed.

The planned spaceflight would be linked to the implementation of a specific scientific program and would focus on research areas including medicine and biology, plant genetics, and materials science, the statement said.

Officials also discussed the possibility of hosting the International Astronautical Congress in Samarkand in 2028. According to the statement, leading space organizations from the US, Europe, China, India, and Russia have expressed interest in participating.

Responsible officials were instructed to ensure high-level preparations for the proposed international event.