Central Eurasia’s growing role in the global space industry took centre stage at the Space Technology Conference 2026, where regional players outlined new satellite projects, investment plans and opportunities for international cooperation.
The forum brought together government agencies, private companies and international organisations to discuss the future of the region’s space ecosystem, with particular attention on Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Türkiye.
Azerbaijan continues to expand its capabilities through Azercosmos, focusing on both satellite development and education initiatives.
Vugar Bayramov, Advisor to the Chairman on International Relations, told AnewZ that the agency is advancing plans for a new Earth observation satellite that was agreed with partners last year. He also noted that Azerbaijan is working towards establishing a spacecraft development centre and has launched a space academy, where projects such as a Pocket CubeSat have already been developed by school students.
Kazakhstan remains a cornerstone of global space infrastructure through the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the world’s largest operational launch facility. The country continues to balance its historic role in international launches with efforts to strengthen its domestic satellite and digital space technologies.
Türkiye, meanwhile, is accelerating its ambitions through the Turkish Space Agency, building on recent milestones in human spaceflight. In 2024, Alper Gezeravcı became the country’s first astronaut, marking a significant step in Ankara’s long-term space strategy, which includes satellite production and future lunar missions.
Experts at the conference emphasised that collaboration will be critical for emerging space nations seeking to compete globally.
Christian Feichtinger, Executive Director of the International Astronautical Federation speaking to AnewZ highlighted the importance of equal partnerships, noting that countries entering the space sector must contribute meaningfully to joint initiatives.
He pointed to Uzbekistan’s rapid digital transformation and strategic position in Central Asia as key advantages, adding that the country is already emerging as an important partner within the global space community.
As host of STC 2026, Uzbekistan is increasingly positioning itself as a regional hub for space cooperation, with plans to develop its own satellite capabilities and expand international partnerships.
The conference is also seen as a stepping stone towards an even larger global event - the International Astronautical Congress 2028, which Uzbekistan is set to host in Samarkand.
As Feichtinger noted, Uzbekistan’s active engagement and regional leadership are helping it establish itself as a credible and relevant player in the global space industry, reflecting a broader shift as Central Eurasia strengthens its presence on the international stage.
A new trilateral energy partnership involving Uzbekneftegaz, Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR and BP has been announced during Uzbekistan...
U.S. President Donald Trump said he does not think he will need China's help to end the war with Iran as he le...
The Spanish government has issued a defiant message to Silicon Valley, confirming it...
Türkiye has completed formal preparations to begin direct commercial activity w...
After Labour's devastating performance in the 8 May local elections, the party's internal architecture has...
AnewZ has premiered its new investigative documentary, Shadow of the Cross, examining the power, history and contested role of one of the world’s most recognised humanitarian symbols.
Japan’s first import of crude oil from Azerbaijan has highlighted the country’s energy vulnerability and renewed efforts to diversify supply chains beyond the Middle East, according to Professor Sejiro Takeshita of the University of Shizuoka.
Exclusive flight-tracking material obtained by AnewZ has raised new questions about French military aircraft movements linked to President Emmanuel Macron’s recent diplomacy with Armenia and the wider scope of France’s defence cooperation with Yerevan.
Afghanistan has signed a five-year gold mining contract with Afghan and Azerbaijani companies in a deal worth more than $20m, the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum has said.
Kuwait arrested four members of an IRGC-linked group as they tried to enter the country by sea, the Gulf state's KUNA news agency reported on Tuesday. Meanwhile, a senior IRGC officer said Iran had expanded its definition of the Strait of Hormuz to include a far wider area.
Biological samples from an Italian man were transferred to a specialist hospital for testing on Tuesday, after he was suspected of contracting hantavirus. Meanwhile, World Health Organization boss Tedros Ghebreyesus said there were “no sign” of a larger outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise.
Exclusive flight-tracking material obtained by AnewZ has raised new questions about French military aircraft movements linked to President Emmanuel Macron’s recent diplomacy with Armenia and the wider scope of France’s defence cooperation with Yerevan.
Just one week after a similar move by Australia, Greece announced that it will ban access to social media for children under the age of 15 from January 1, 2027, as governments around the world weigh tougher rules amid growing concerns over mental health, safety and screen addiction.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he does not think he will need China's help to end the war with Iran as he left for a high-stakes summit in Beijing on Tuesday, as hopes for a lasting peace deal dwindled and Tehran tightened its grip over the Strait of Hormuz.
Türkiye has completed formal preparations to begin direct commercial activity with Armenia, a Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Wednesday, marking another step in the slow but steady normalisation of ties between the two neighbours.
A new trilateral energy partnership involving Uzbekneftegaz, Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR and BP has been announced during Uzbekistan Energy Week 2026 in Tashkent.
The number of dead Caspian seals discovered along Kazakhstan’s section of the Caspian Sea continues to rise, with the latest findings reported near the Karazhanbas and Buzachi oilfields in the Mangystau region.
This is the third and final article in AnewZ’s series examining the fight for access to treatment for children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in Georgia, and the irreversible human cost of delay.
Former Georgia rugby captain Merab Sharikadze has been banned for 11 years after an anti-doping probe uncovered sample swapping in the national team. Several other players and the Georgian Rugby Union were also sanctioned
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment