Uzbekistan has taken a historic step toward building its own space industry, as young engineers from the country begin developing the nation’s first scientific artificial satellite in Japan.

The project marks the first time in Uzbekistan’s history that work has started on creating a domestic scientific satellite, a move seen as strategically important for advancing the country’s space and technology sectors, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

The initiative is being implemented with the support of Uzbekspace Agency, which selected Japan as the project base due to its globally recognized expertise in developing small and medium-sized research satellites.

In October 2025, Uzbekspace sent seven young engineers to study on scholarships at Kyushu Institute of Technology, one of Japan’s leading universities in satellite engineering.

As part of the project, the Uzbek specialists are directly involved in every stage of the satellite’s development, including design, assembly, testing, and operation.

Officials say this hands-on experience is even more valuable than simply purchasing finished technology, as it helps create a national school of space engineering specialists.

Uzbekistan is focusing on a long-term technological development strategy, prioritizing the training of specialists and gradually building its own space capabilities rather than relying on imported technologies.

The scientific satellite is also expected to become an important platform for the country’s universities and research institutions.

Students and young scientists will be able to work with real satellite data, boosting applied research in fields such as engineering, information technology, and aerospace science.

Officials say the project will help expand Uzbekistan’s presence in international scientific and technological cooperation while inspiring the next generation of researchers and engineers.