Reforms in the space sector are advancing in line with global competition and rapid technological progress, entering a new stage of qualitative change. The global space economy has already exceeded $500 billion and is expected to reach $1 trillion by 2030.

At the fifth meeting of heads of space agencies and authorized bodies from member and observer states of the Organization of Turkic States, held at the InterContinental Tashkent hotel as part of the “Space Technology Conference– 2026”, participants noted that developing space technologies and deepening multilateral cooperation have become strategic priorities. The organization’s member states, with a combined population of more than 170 million and vast territories, present significant opportunities in the space services market.

In recent years, countries of the Organization of Turkic States have achieved notable results in the sector. Turkey and Kazakhstan have launched Earth observation satellites into orbit, while Azerbaijan provides international services through telecommunications satellites. In Uzbekistan, space - based monitoring is being used to manage land and water resources, as well as in environmental and agricultural applications.

“This event is being held for the second time by our agency, which reflects Uzbekistan’s growing international standing in the space sector,” said Bekhruz Mirzayev, chief specialist at the International Cooperation Department of the Space Research and Technology Agency.  "Several pressing issues are on today’s agenda, including negotiations on a jointly developed small satellite project within the Organization of Turkic States that is expected to be launched.”

Particular attention was given to the initiative to develop a joint technological satellite. The project aims to facilitate technology transfer, combine scientific potential, and train young specialists. Discussions also covered the use of Earth observation satellite data in agriculture, water resource management, and environmental monitoring, as well as early detection of emergencies and the development of analytical platforms based on geoinformation systems and big data.

“Technologies are developing very rapidly, and the space sector is one of the key drivers of this progress. It is difficult for any country to keep pace with all innovations independently. At the same time, awareness is increasing in developing countries,” said Dr Ayhan Incirci, Director General of the Department for External Relations and Legal Affairs at the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization. “Without sufficient scientific expertise and knowledge, adapting to global processes is extremely challenging. Participation in such multilateral international conferences is therefore very important, as it provides an opportunity to observe and learn from developments in other parts of the world and expand knowledge.”

The meeting marked an important step towards coordinating space policy within the Organization of Turkic States, developing joint infrastructure, and creating a regional space ecosystem. It also helped advance practical projects and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation.

Ulugbek Rozimatov, from Xalq So‘zi.