BRIFING on the launch of the "Samarkand-2028" satellite
2026-08-04 16:15:00 / News

On August 5, 2026, an important historical event in the space field will take place for the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Remote sensing satellite "Samarkand-2028" will be launched into orbit from the Haiyan East Cosmodrome of the People's Republic of China from 07:00 to 09:00 Tashkent time .
This satellite was created by the Chinese company STAR.VISION in collaboration with the Agency for Space Research and Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan - "Uzbekcosmos".
The Samarkand-2028 mission will be an important step in developing Uzbekistan's national space program, implementing modern space technologies, and bringing scientific and technological cooperation between Uzbekistan and China to a new level.
Hyperspectral technology - new opportunities
"Samarkand-2028" is a hyperspectral Earth remote sensing satellite .
While traditional satellites record images in limited spectral channels, hyperspectral technology allows analysis of radiation returned from the Earth's surface in 20 or more spectral bands .
This technology allows for much more detailed information about the composition and condition of objects.
Especially from hyperspectral data:
- determine the types and condition of agricultural crops;
- monitoring the development of plants;
- monitoring of water and natural resources;
- assessment of the ecological situation;
- It can be used effectively in areas such as monitoring land use processes.
Artificial intelligence is on board an artificial satellite
the integration of an artificial intelligence module developed by specialists from the Uzbekcosmos Agency on board the satellite .
This is an important technological step within the framework of STAR.VISION's international projects, demonstrating that Uzbek specialists are not only consumers of space technologies, but also directly participate in their creation.
automatic analysis of images taken by satellites directly in orbit . That is, a certain part of the necessary data is processed on the spacecraft itself before being transmitted to Earth.
This is,
- Reducing the volume of data transmitted to the ground;
- quick access to important information;
- increase the efficiency of data processing;
- allows to speed up further analysis processes.
Space technologies - for the benefit of the economy and society
The main goal of the Samarkand-2028 mission is not limited to launching a spacecraft into orbit. The data received from the satellite will have practical significance in various areas of the country's economy and social sphere.
In particular, they include:
- agriculture;
- water resources management;
- environmental monitoring;
- monitoring of natural resources;
- early identification of emergency situations;
- urban planning;
- there is an opportunity to effectively use land resources and use them in other strategic directions.
will serve as an important technological experiment to enhance the national human resources potential in the fields of space engineering, artificial intelligence, and satellite data processing .
Why "Samarkand-2028"?
It is no coincidence that the satellite is named "Samarkand-2028." In 2025, during the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Sydney, Australia , the city of Samarkand was selected as
the host city for the 79th International Astronautical Congress, to be held in 2028 .
This was an important historical event for Uzbekistan and all of Central Asia, because for the first time in the region, one of the most prestigious international forums in the space industry will be held in Uzbekistan.
In this sense, the name "Samarkand-2028" reflects the increasingly strengthening position of Uzbekistan in the international space community.
Samarkand is a heritage of science and space
The name "Samarkand-2028" embodies, along with modern space technologies, the rich scientific heritage of Uzbekistan.
Samarkand has been a center of science, astronomy, and enlightenment for centuries. In the 15th century, the great scientist and statesman Mirzo Ulugbek built one of the most advanced astronomical observatories of his time in Samarkand.
Nearly six centuries later, Samarkand is once again at the center of a major space-related event. From the astronomical legacy of Mirzo Ulugbek to the next generation of satellites equipped with artificial intelligence technologies, the path of development demonstrates the organic continuity of science and technology in Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan's space potential
These space projects are a practical result of the attention paid to the development of science, innovation, high technologies and international cooperation in our country.
The participation of Uzbek specialists in the development of an artificial satellite and the creation of its intelligent systems within the framework of the Samarkand-2028 project demonstrates the formation of national space engineering potential.
an important step towards Uzbekistan's transformation from a country that uses space technologies to a country that participates in the development and creation of these technologies.
Uzbekistan-China space cooperation
The Samarkand-2028 mission is one of the practical results of scientific and technological cooperation between Uzbekistan and China. The project combines the experience and technological potential of specialists from both countries.
We believe that this mission, along with the development of space technologies, will serve to further strengthen scientific, technological, and space cooperation between Uzbekistan and China.
Launch security
safety is the top priority for any space mission . Therefore, if a risk is identified during the launch process related to weather conditions, rocket systems, or other technical factors, the flight time may be changed or the launch may be postponed to another date.
This is a common situation in international space practice, where such decisions are made primarily to ensure the safety of the mission and the reliable operation of all systems.
In short, the launch of the Samarkand-2028 satellite into orbit is another practical manifestation of Uzbekistan's aspirations for active integration into the global space ecosystem, expansion of international scientific and technological cooperation, and the application of advanced space technologies for the development of the country.
Most importantly, this mission is not just another satellite in orbit. It is a sign that Uzbekistan is entering a new stage in the creation of space technologies, the application of artificial intelligence in space, and the formation of national space engineering potential.
