Deputy Director of Uzbekcosmos agency Muhiddin Ibragimov has said that Uzbekistan is aiming to send its first astronaut into space by October 2028.

The planned mission is expected to last 14 days, with negotiations currently underway with the United States, Russia, and China on potential cooperation, The Caspian Post reports via Anhor.uz.

Ibragimov noted that both the US and Russia conduct crewed missions to the International Space Station, while China operates its own orbital space station. He said all three countries have expressed readiness to work with Uzbekistan on the historic mission.

The first Uzbek astronaut is expected to carry out a scientific experiment during the flight, marking a major milestone for the country’s growing space ambitions.

To prepare for the mission, Uzbekistan plans to establish a government commission responsible for selecting astronaut candidates.

According to the announced requirements, applicants must be between 27 and 40 years old, hold a university degree, stand between 160 and 190 centimeters tall, weigh between 50 and 95 kilograms, and speak foreign languages.