Kyrgyzstan drafts space industry development program for 2027–2031
Kyrgyzstan plans to establish a national satellite monitoring system, develop space infrastructure, and train specialists in this field. The Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic has submitted a draft Cabinet of Ministers resolution approving the state program for the development of the space industry for 2027–2031 for public discussion.
The document provides for the use of satellite technologies, Earth remote sensing (ERS) data, and geoinformation services in public administration, the economy, science, and security. Among the main tasks is the creation of a unified national ERS platform and infrastructure for receiving and processing satellite data.
Why Kyrgyzstan needs its own space program
In 2021–2026, state agencies of Kyrgyzstan used satellite data mainly independently, without a unified system of coordination and information exchange. The new program is designed to unify this work.
Satellite monitoring is necessary to observe natural processes in high-mountain regions, where risks of earthquakes, mudflows, floods, landslides, and avalanches persist.
A separate focus is the monitoring of the state of glaciers and water resources. According to a study published in Nature Geoscience in 2015, the glaciers of the Tien Shan lost about 27% of their mass between 1961 and 2012. Their area decreased by approximately 18% over the same period.
One of the priority tasks of the national ERS system will be permanent monitoring of glaciers, snow cover, and high-mountain lakes.
Satellite data is also planned to be used to assess water reserves, monitor climate change, and identify natural hazards.
Main directions and stages of the program
The program is designed for two stages in 2027–2031 and covers six areas.
- Public administration and legislation. It is planned to create an interdepartmental coordination mechanism led by the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic and form a register of state bodies and organizations that need ERS data. Provision is also made for work on Kyrgyzstan's accession to the 1967, 1972, and 1975 UN space activity treaties and participation in the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
- ERS infrastructure. The country intends to create a Unified National Platform for receiving, processing, and storing satellite data. The second stage provides for the phased creation of a ground reception station for satellite information and a unified archive.
- Digital cartography. The national ERS platform is planned to be integrated with the geoportail of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) and state information systems. This will allow agencies to exchange cartographic and satellite information.
- Application of satellite data in the economy and public administration. The program provides for several areas of work:
- Ministry of Emergency Situations: monitoring mudflows, landslides, and other natural hazards, and using data during emergencies.
- Agriculture and water resources: observation of crops, pastures, land condition, rivers, reservoirs, and irrigation systems.
- Ecology and security: monitoring the state of forests, specially protected natural areas, illegal landfills, border areas, and critical infrastructure facilities.
- Science and personnel training. Universities plan to develop educational programs in space engineering, geoinformatics, and satellite data analysis. Together with the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic and universities, it is proposed to establish specialized laboratories and launch educational projects for small spacecraft.
- Satellite communications and international cooperation. The authorities intend to expand the use of high-speed satellite internet in remote areas, continuing the work on the 2025–2026 pilot project. Provision is also made to protect Kyrgyzstan's rights to orbital and frequency resources in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
After preparing the feasibility study, the authorities will consider the possibility of creating their own spacecraft or participating in joint satellite projects with foreign partners.
Program financing
According to the presented calculations, additional expenditures from the republican budget are not provided for. In the financial tables of the project, the corresponding items indicate zero values for additional budget needs.
This does not mean that the implementation of the program will not require funds. It is proposed to finance the measures through the already approved budgets of state bodies, the redistribution of existing resources, grants, and international technical assistance.
The possibility of attracting investments and using public-private partnership (PPP) mechanisms is also being considered.
What Kyrgyzstan has already done in the space industry
In February 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers established the state company "Kyrgyz Sputnik", which was subsequently renamed "Kyrgyz Asman". Its tasks include obtaining aerospace imagery, and monitoring land resources, climate, and the environment.
In October, Kyrgyzstan launched its first national satellite into orbit. The launch took place on October 1 from Vandenberg Base in California on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
The device was developed and assembled by specialists of "Kyrgyz Asman". Satellite imagery is planned to be used to monitor agricultural land, glaciers, water bodies, and natural risks.
Expected results by 2031
If the program is approved, the authorities intend to accomplish the following tasks:
- Launch a unified ERS platform and create a secure national archive of space data.
- Establish automated exchange of spatial information between state bodies.
- Expand the use of satellite data for water and land resource management, emergency forecasting, and environmental control.
- Create a scientific and educational base for training specialists in space technologies.
Control over the implementation of the program is planned to be entrusted to the presidential administration. Responsible agencies will have to submit reports on the implementation of measures quarterly, and information on the achievement of established indicators annually.
