The city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan has been selected to host the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in 2028. The event, which is the world's largest gathering for the space industry, marks a significant step in the country's efforts to develop its national space program and capabilities.
The selection positions Samarkand as the first city in Central Asia to host the prestigious congress, which is expected to bring over 10,000 international experts to the region. The event will highlight Uzbekistan's growing ambitions in the space sector, which have been accelerating since the formation of its national space agency in 2019.
Key Takeaways
- Samarkand, Uzbekistan will host the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in 2028, the first time the event is held in Central Asia.
- The congress is expected to attract more than 10,000 participants, including major space agencies and private companies.
- The event underscores Uzbekistan's expanding space program, managed by the Uzbekcosmos Agency, which focuses on satellite monitoring for governance and development.
- Uzbekistan plans to transform the Silk Road Complex into a "Space City" for the event, creating an immersive scientific environment.
- Hosting the IAC is projected to provide a significant economic boost, similar to the €26 million generated for Sydney in 2025.
Samarkand's Successful Bid for IAC 2028
The decision to award the 2028 congress to Samarkand was announced during the IAC 2025 event in Sydney, Australia. Uzbekistan's proposal was chosen over strong competition from China, India, and Bahrain. The successful bid is a major achievement for the nation as it seeks to establish itself as a participant in the global space community.
A central part of Uzbekistan's presentation was the concept of creating a "Space City" at the Silk Road Complex in Samarkand. This initiative aims to provide a fully immersive environment where attendees can live and collaborate throughout the event, rather than just attending sessions in a conventional conference setting.
"Our idea was to merge science and culture — to make the congress an experience, not just a conference," explained Muhiddin Ibragimov, deputy director of Uzbekcosmos, who led the bidding team. "The idea of a ‘Space City’ in Samarkand received tremendous enthusiasm."
The congress is expected to draw leaders from prominent space agencies like NASA, ESA, JAXA, and ISRO, alongside influential private companies such as Axiom Space, Planet, Maxar, and Starlink. The economic impact is anticipated to be substantial, with experts predicting benefits for Uzbekistan that could meet or exceed the estimated €26 million generated for Sydney's economy during the 2025 congress.
Uzbekistan's Growing Space Program
Since its establishment in 2019, the Uzbekcosmos Agency has been central to Uzbekistan's strategy for space development. The agency has focused on integrating space technologies into national governance, environmental management, and economic planning. This practical approach emphasizes the use of satellite data for real-world applications.
In early 2025, Uzbekistan passed a law mandating the use of remote sensing data in official decision-making processes. This legal framework ensures that satellite information is systematically used for monitoring and planning across various government sectors.
Leveraging Satellite Technology
Uzbekcosmos utilizes both optical and radar satellite imagery to monitor a wide range of activities. This includes tracking land use, managing water resources, observing agricultural patterns, and monitoring urban expansion. The technology is also used to detect illegal activities such as unauthorized construction and deforestation, allowing for rapid government response.
"We also apply radar-based monitoring to ensure infrastructure safety," said Ibragimov. He noted that by analyzing radar signals, the agency can detect ground or structural shifts as small as a few millimeters. "This is crucial for monitoring dams, reservoirs, and industrial facilities before risks turn into disasters," he added.
Data-Driven Governance in Action
Throughout 2024, Uzbekcosmos used high-resolution satellite imagery and geoinformation technologies to conduct a nationwide review. The agency examined sectors like ecology, geology, agriculture, and forestry, identifying over 100,000 potential irregularities. This data-driven surveillance helps authorities address land misuse and promote sustainable resource management.
Fostering International and Domestic Engagement
Uzbekistan is actively building its presence on the international stage while simultaneously cultivating domestic talent. Uzbekcosmos has established partnerships and signed memorandums with space institutions in several countries, including China, Japan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. These collaborations are key to advancing its technological capabilities and expertise.
Angelina Bekasova, a senior expert on space and innovation policy at Latvia's Ministry of Economics, commented on the trend. "Space has always been international," Bekasova stated. "Countries like Uzbekistan are now not just clients of technology, but co-creators of solutions — building Earth observation systems and developing ground segments. This shared vision makes cooperation between Europe and Central Asia both efficient and mutually beneficial."
Domestically, the country has a three-year plan to:
- Expand space education and public awareness programs.
- Encourage universities, ministries, and private companies to participate in space-related projects.
- Inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, and innovation.
A Nod to a Historic Scientific Legacy
The selection of Samarkand holds deep historical significance for Uzbekistan. The city was a major center for scientific discovery nearly 600 years ago under the rule of Mirzo Ulugbek, who was also a renowned astronomer. His observatory, built in the 15th century, was one of the most advanced of its time.
Officials see the 2028 IAC as a modern revival of this scientific heritage. Sherzod Shermatov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Digital Technologies, connected the upcoming event to this legacy.
"Six centuries ago, Ulugbek built an observatory that made Samarkand a global center of science," Shermatov wrote on social media. "In 2028, the world’s largest space event will take place here." He described the event as a foundation for the country's "Third Renaissance."
By hosting the IAC, Uzbekistan aims to not only showcase its current progress but also to inspire a new generation to look toward the stars, continuing a legacy that began centuries ago in the heart of the Silk Road.