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.
There are fears of an oil spill after a drone strike hit a Kuwaiti oil tanker near Dubai on Tuesday, while U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran report...
Trade between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan rose by 16.2% in 2025 to nearly $5 billion, underscoring deepening economic ties highlighted during a visit...
Drones detected in Estonia appear to have strayed from Ukraine while headed for Russia, the Baltic country'...
Central Eurasia’s growing role in the global space industry took centre sta...
Georgia has introduced changes to its election laws, fuelling renewed debate over transparency and political control in an already tense post-elect...
Azerbaijan has voiced strong support for Türkiye following the interception of a fourth ballistic missile over Turkish territory on Monday (30 March), amid rising regional tensions.
Three Armenian citizens have been charged following an alleged attempt to attack Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at St Anna Cathedral in Yerevan on 29 March. Analysts say the incident reflects rising tensions between the government and the Church ahead of upcoming elections.
Uzbekistan is hosting the fifth-anniversary Space Technology Conference - Central Eurasia (STC 2026), bringing together more than 400 delegates, 24 sponsors and representatives from 32 countries to discuss the region’s space industry and expand international cooperation.
Over a century ago, the streets of Baku were engulfed in violence as thousands of civilians perished during the March Days of 1918, marking one of the darkest chapters in Azerbaijan’s history.
The Iran-U.S.-Israel conflict is intensifying, with fresh strikes near Tehran, European calls for restraint, and Iran threatening to target U.S. firms in the region, raising fears of a broader escalation across the Middle East.
Russia has expelled a British diplomat, accusing him of economic espionage in a move that further strains already tense relations between Moscow and London. The United Kingdom described the action as intimidation and rejected the allegations outright, Reuters reports.
There are fears of an oil spill after a drone strike hit a Kuwaiti oil tanker near Dubai on Tuesday, while U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran reportedly killed at least two people. A loud explosion was heard in Beirut in southern Lebanon early Wednesday, as oil prices climbed above $100 a barrel.
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Monday urged U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene in the escalating Gulf conflict, warning that only he could prevent it from spreading further.
Australia’s move to ban social media access for children under 16 has intensified a global debate, as governments around the world weigh tougher rules amid growing concerns over mental health, safety and screen addiction.
Trade between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan rose by 16.2% in 2025 to nearly $5 billion, underscoring deepening economic ties highlighted during a visit by Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yerlan Kosherbayev.
Georgia has introduced changes to its election laws, fuelling renewed debate over transparency and political control in an already tense post-election climate.
At least 18 people were killed when an inflatable boat carrying migrants sank off Türkiye's western province of Mugla on Wednesday, the coastguard said in a statement, adding that search and rescue efforts continued in the area.
Azerbaijan has voiced strong support for Türkiye following the interception of a fourth ballistic missile over Turkish territory on Monday (30 March), amid rising regional tensions.
An American female journalist was kidnapped in Baghdad on Tuesday and authorities are searching the city for her, two police officials said.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment