From the Silk Road to Space. The Launch of the Satellite “Samarkand-2028”

Today, for the first time among the cities of Central Asia, the name of Samarkand has reached space. The name of Samarkand is now traveling in orbit.

The Samarkand-2028 satellite, developed by China’s STAR.VISION with contribution of Uzbekistan’s national space agency, Uzbekkosmos, was successfully launched on August 5, 2026, from Haiyang, China.

Samarkand-2028 is the first satellite in history to be named after a Central Asian city. It is also the largest international space project in Uzbekistan’s history.

For the first time, an AI module built entirely by Uzbek engineers is operating on board, processing satellite data directly in orbit before it is transmitted to Earth.

This enables faster results, reduces the volume of data that needs to be transmitted, and makes analysis on the ground more efficient. The satellite will support agriculture, water management, environmental monitoring, disaster response, and urban development.

The name Samarkand-2028 is no coincidence. Samarkand earned the right to host the 2028 International Astronautical Congress, marking the first time in history that the world’s largest space congress will be held in Central Asia.

The satellite also pays tribute to Samarkand’s remarkable scientific heritage—the city where the great astronomer Ulugh Beg built one of the world’s most advanced observatories of its time.

The successful launch of Samarkand-2028 reflects Uzbekistan’s growing international role and the vision of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to strengthen the country’s global standing through openness, reform, scientific progress, and international cooperation.

A historic center of science. A rising space nation.

PS. We sincerely express our appreciation for all partners and team members who made this happen!

#IAC2028 #UzSpace #Samarkand
#Mustaqillik35 #Uzb35 #Independence35