Kyrgyzstan launches its first national satellite from Vandenberg Space Force Base

BISHKEK, October 2. /TASS/. For the first time in its history, Kyrgyzstan has sent its own satellite into space, the republic’s Presidential Administration wrote on Telegram.

"Today, on October 1 (EST), Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov took part in a ceremony to launch into space the first national satellite of the Kyrgyz Republic during his working visit to the United States. The launch was performed from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California and involved a Falcon 9 carrier rocket by SpaceX," the statement reads. "The satellite was orbited as part of a group launched by a single carrier rocket."

"The satellite will be controlled from a control center in Bishkek," the administration added.

It was designed to monitor agricultural lands, glaciers, water bodies, forests and pastures, track changes in natural ecosystems and detect illegal mining, unauthorized dumpsites and other sources of pollution.

"Satellite technologies will play a special role in monitoring and early identification of natural risks. Its data will allow to promptly detect signs of draughts, floods, landslides and foreign fires, creating additional opportunities for timely response and damage reduction," the statement says. "It will allow to use objective data in governmental decision-making investment planning and control over the implementation of state programs."