Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan

As part of his visit to the United States, Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov held a meeting with Rich Leshner, Vice President of Vast, an American private aerospace company building the world’s first commercial space station. 

The meeting focused on the development of space technologies in Uzbekistan, strengthening international cooperation, and expanding the country’s human resource potential in the space sector.

Minister Sherzod Shermatov emphasized the importance of supporting science and innovation, creating opportunities for young researchers, and increasing Uzbekistan’s participation in international space programs.

The parties discussed prospects for long-term cooperation with Vast, including participation in joint scientific research, personnel exchange programs, and the involvement of Uzbek specialists in upcoming missions following the successful launch of the Haven-1 orbital station.

Discussions also covered the potential involvement of Uzbek scientists and engineers in research on artificial gravity, life support systems, and orbital architecture within the framework of the Haven-2 project, the proposed successor to the International Space Station.

Further initiatives were proposed in the fields of education, personnel training, internships, and joint laboratory development, with the goal of expanding practical collaboration between Uzbekistan and Vast.

At the end of the meeting, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining future steps to strengthen cooperation and increase the participation of Uzbek specialists in international space programs and orbital technology projects.

For reference: Vast is a U.S.-based private aerospace company developing next-generation space stations with long-term ambitions for artificial gravity stations.. Its first project, Haven-1, is the world’s first commercial space station and will serve as the foundation for multi-module space stations including Haven-2.