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.
Shipping traffic through the key Gulf waterways of Bab el-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz remained largely unchanged at the start of the week, shippin...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 4th of August, covering the latest developments....
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged authorities to increase support for people affected by a record heatwave, as the death toll reached 16....
U.S. President Donald Trump says Iran has a "last chance" to sign what he described as "a good document", claiming talks are continuing at Tehran's request with backing from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar.
U.S. President Donald Trump said late on Saturday he would hold off on a fresh attack on Iran as long as a deal could be reached quickly to halt Iran's nuclear ambitions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Two firefighting helicopters collided while battling a major wildfire in Greece on Sunday, killing two crew members as emergency services continued efforts to contain fires fuelled by extreme heat and dry conditions across Europe.
Indonesian rescue teams are searching for 28 people still unaccounted for, three days after a passenger ferry caught fire off the coast of Madura island.
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said wildfires that swept across France were now under control. Authorities warned that risks remained as Greece and Spain continued battling active blazes across parts of Europe.
Georgia has officially begun dredging works for the long-awaited Anaklia Deepwater Port after the arrival of the first dredging vessel, marking a significant milestone in one of the country's most ambitious infrastructure projects.
Iran said on Monday (3 August) it is not negotiating with the U.S. over reopening the Strait of Hormuz, saying current talks with Oman are focused solely on ensuring safe shipping through the strategic waterway.
Pakistan and Uzbekistan are stepping up efforts to streamline trade between South and Central Asia through a new customs partnership focused on digital connectivity and artificial intelligence.
A suicide bomber killed at least 17 people and injured 35 others outside a police station in northwestern Pakistan on Sunday evening, officials said. The Pakistan Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in Kabal, a town in the Swat Valley near the Afghan border.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment