Uzbekistan is increasing its involvement in global space research with the signing of a new memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Digital Development and U.S. aerospace firm, Vast Space.
The agreement outlines opportunities for Uzbek specialists to participate in the company’s future orbital-station missions, Haven-1 and Haven-2.
According to the Ministry, the discussions with Vast Space focused on establishing long-term cooperation in several key areas including joint research, laboratory development, and the exchange of technical personnel.
The collaboration is expected to give Uzbek scientists and engineers access to advanced studies on artificial gravity, life-support systems, and orbital architecture.
Vast Space, a private American aerospace company, plans to launch Haven-1, its first commercial space station in the coming years.
The platform will serve as a research and habitation module capable of independent operation or docking with SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft.
The follow-up Haven-2 project is designed to expand this infrastructure into a modular station capable of supporting extended stays in orbit.
Uzbekcosmos on human spaceflight prospects
The state agency Uzbekcosmos clarified that Uzbekistan does not currently have active plans to send national astronauts into space.
Head Mukhiddin Ibragimov noted in July that while the mission is technically feasible, the total cost would range between $50 and $60 million.
He emphasised that the country’s immediate focus would d remain on scientific cooperation and capacity building rather than costly manned missions.
“We are not abandoning the idea of sending Uzbek astronauts into space,” Ibragimov said. “However, each step must be taken thoughtfully, with a clear scientific purpose and responsible use of funds.”
Uzbekistan’s space legacy
Uzbekistan has a long history of contributions to space exploration. Among its notable figures are Vladimir Dzhanibekov, who completed five spaceflights, and Salizhan Sharipov, who spent 203 days in orbit.
Uzbek scientist Shavkat Vakhidov was also recognised for his role in advancing space-engineering technologies.
The new partnership with Vast Space is viewed as a strategic step in rekindling this heritage through international cooperation and modern research opportunities.
Officials believe the collaboration will help develop the country’s human capital and integrate Uzbek expertise into the rapidly growing commercial space industry.
The Ministry of Digital Development said the memorandum reflects Uzbekistan’s aim to move from a consumer of space technologies to an active contributor in their creation.
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are escalating, with Washington ordering a significant military build-up in the region and multiple countries evacu...
Two people were killed and around 40 injured when a tram derailed in central Milan on Friday (27 Februrary), a spokesperson for local firefighters sai...
Abdullah Öcalan, the jailed leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), issued a statement on Friday (27 February) calling on Ankara to ...
Colombia’s commerce minister, Diana Marcela Morales, has said she will propose raising tariffs on certain Ecuadorian goods from 30% to 50%, as a tra...
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton said on Friday (27 February) that he had no knowledge of the crimes committed by Jeffrey Epstein and would not have...
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are escalating, with Washington ordering a significant military build-up in the region and multiple countries evacuating diplomatic staff amid fears of further instability.
Speaking during a closed-door deposition in New York on Thursday (February), former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she did not “recall” ever meeting the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and had “no knowledge of his crimes”.
Pakistan’s declaration of an “open war” with Afghanistan must be understood in the context of months of escalating violence, regional analysts have said, describing the latest developments as a significant shift in the nature of the conflict.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their differences through dialogue, offering Tehran’s assistance to facilitate understanding between its eastern neighbours.
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are escalating, with Washington ordering a significant military build-up in the region and multiple countries evacuating diplomatic staff amid fears of further instability.
The death toll from heavy rains and flooding in Brazil’s Minas Gerais state has risen to 46, authorities said, with 21 people still reported missing. The storms triggered landslides and widespread flooding, displacing thousands across Juiz de Fora and Uba.
The situation in Cuba was heating up and called for restraint following a deadly incident involving a Florida-registered speedboat off the coast of the Caribbean island, the Kremlin said on Thursday (26 February).
Pakistani air strikes hit a weapons depot on the western outskirts of Kabul overnight, triggering hours of secondary explosions that rattled homes across the Afghan capital and left residents fearing further violence.
Venezuela’s Attorney General Tarek William Saab and Ombudsman Alfredo Ruiz tendered their resignations to the National Assembly on Wednesday. Neither official has publicly provided reasons for stepping down.
Abdullah Öcalan, the jailed leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), issued a statement on Friday (27 February) calling on Ankara to adopt legislation aimed at promoting political inclusion.
Pakistani air strikes hit a weapons depot on the western outskirts of Kabul overnight, triggering hours of secondary explosions that rattled homes across the Afghan capital and left residents fearing further violence.
Pakistan’s declaration of an “open war” with Afghanistan must be understood in the context of months of escalating violence, regional analysts have said, describing the latest developments as a significant shift in the nature of the conflict.
Israeli strikes killed five people in Gaza on Thursday (26 February), according to health officials in the territory. The Israeli military said separately that it had killed a militant who posed an imminent threat to its forces in southern Gaza.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their differences through dialogue, offering Tehran’s assistance to facilitate understanding between its eastern neighbours.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment