Kyrgyzstan has launched its own national satellite into space for the first time.
The launch took place on October 1 from Vandenberg Base in the US state of California aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle.
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov attended the launch ceremony as part of a working visit to the United States. The satellite was placed into orbit together with a group of other spacecraft. It will be controlled from a center in Bishkek.
The satellite is designed to monitor agricultural land, glaciers, water bodies, forests and pastures, as well as to observe changes in natural ecosystems. Its data is planned to be used to detect illegal use of mineral resources, unauthorized landfills and other sources of pollution.
In addition, satellite data will be used to monitor natural risks, including droughts, floods, landslides, mudflows and forest fires. The presidential administration noted that this will make it possible to identify potential threats more quickly and take measures to reduce possible damage.
