Cooperation in the aerospace sector between South Korea and Uzbekistan is expanding into the private sector. Korean aerospace companies such as Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Contec, Satrec Initiative, and Nara Space Technology (hereinafter Nara Space) have received a “love call” from Uzbekistan. Based on the partnership between the Korea Aerospace Administration and the Uzbekistan Space Agency, space cooperation between the two countries is being promoted, and Korean companies are paying attention to Uzbekistan.
According to the Uzbekistan Space Agency on the 21st, the agency is reviewing cooperation plans with Korean aerospace companies such as KAI, Contec, Satrec Initiative, and Nara Space. It is reported that on April 7 (local time), during their visit to Colorado, U.S. for the 2025 Space Symposium, some companies even held meetings with the agency.
Earlier, the Uzbekistan Space Agency signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korea Aerospace Administration to cooperate on space projects. The agreement includes cooperation in various areas such as: â–³ overall satellite development including propulsion systems â–³ joint education programs and talent training through institutions from both countries â–³ sharing of national space policies and strategies. Based on this cooperation, Korean companies are expected to explore business opportunities in Uzbekistan.
The Uzbekistan Space Agency was established in August 2019 by a presidential decree. It oversees the research and policy planning in the aerospace field and has been developing a detailed roadmap through 2035. The roadmap includes plans for securing manufacturing capabilities, fostering talent, and participating in international Mars exploration programs. Uzbekistan is actively promoting its space industry and has requested cooperation from Korean companies.
KAI has built its competitiveness in the fields of satellite and launch vehicle structures, system integration, and testing, starting with participation in the development of Korea’s first multipurpose satellite in 1994. Based on this experience, it has expanded overseas, including into Central Asia. In June last year, it signed an MOU with Uzbekistan’s state-owned aircraft maintenance company SE CHARZ to enhance local maintenance capabilities. The agreement includes plans to modernize various aircraft types such as Mi-8, Mi-17, Mi-24 helicopters, and Su-25, Yak-52, An-2 fixed-wing aircraft.
Contec is the first Korean space startup to go public. It builds ground stations and provides satellite imagery and data reception, processing, and analysis services. The company operates 12 ground stations across 10 countries including Sweden and Malaysia, expanding its global reach.
Satrec Initiative first exported a complete satellite to Malaysia in 2005, and has since entered markets in Singapore, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Spain. Last month, it launched its ultra-high-resolution commercial Earth observation satellite “SpaceEye-T,” developed with its own technology, and succeeded in establishing ground station communications, demonstrating its technological prowess.
Nara Space specializes in small satellites. In November 2023, it successfully placed South Korea’s first commercial nanosatellite, “Observer-1A,” into orbit.
