Uzbekistan and China set to launch sea-based ‘Samarkand-2028’ satellite

Uzbekistan and China are preparing for the launch of the "Samarkand-2028" sea-based satellite.

On August 5, the Chinese aerospace firm Star Vision is scheduled to launch the Samarkand-2028 hyperspectral Earth-observation satellite. The launch will take place from a sea-based platform located off the coast of China's Shandong Province. According to the Space Research and Technology Agency of Uzbekistan (Uzcosmos), the launch window is set for 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Tashkent time. The Lampung-1 satellite will also be deployed during this mission.

The Samarkand-2028 satellite incorporates an artificial intelligence module, which was developed by experts at Uzcosmos. This module facilitates edge computing by processing hyperspectral data directly in orbit, thereby significantly speeding up data delivery and enhancing the effectiveness of remote sensing operations.

The press service of the Ministry of Digital Technologies stated that the data collected will be utilized to support vital sectors such as precision agriculture, environmental oversight, and the management of natural resources. The launch vehicle, with the satellites on board, has already been secured on the launch vessel, which is currently en route to the deployment location.

The initial announcement of this collaborative Uzbek-Chinese remote sensing mission occurred in November 2025, following the signing of a strategic memorandum between Uzcosmos and Star Vision. The satellite was named Samarkand-2028 to honor Uzbekistan's designation as the host country for the 2028 International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Samarkand.

In parallel, Uzbekistan is also developing its first 6U-format scientific satellite, named after the historical astronomer-king Mirzo Ulugbek, with a planned launch by 2028. Additionally, plans are underway to send the nation's first astronaut into space.