People go to space not for money or thrills. They go to space in pursuit of a dream. The profession of a cosmonaut is perhaps that rare calling where one’s work is the very embodiment of humanity’s timeless aspiration to reach new heights.
The dream of space is one of the oldest and most inspiring fantasies in human history. And even today, when humankind has gained vast experience in exploring the airless expanse beyond Earth, every new spaceflight still stirs profound excitement – and at the same time brings the boundless joy of touching a dream. Yet astronautics, which demands an exceptionally high level of technological and intellectual development, remains the privilege of only a few nations and people.
That is why I am especially proud that my homeland, Turkmenistan, has joined the prestigious community of spacefaring nations by launching its own communications satellite. The launch carried immense practical importance for advancing cutting-edge digital technologies in the country. But beyond that, this first step into space became a vivid symbol for the international community – a testament to the dynamic development of modern Turkmenistan. Transformations in the economy, culture and social life are unfolding there with truly cosmic speed. The beginning of space exploration was a natural stage in strengthening the scientific, technological and economic potential of a state that is rapidly rising to leading global positions.
Turkmenistan has achieved a major technological breakthrough – one that only nations with dynamically growing economies, clearly defined long-term goals and the capacity to mobilize organizational, intellectual and financial resources can accomplish.
Such a technical success cannot be viewed apart from the country’s strategic course toward comprehensive economic and scientific advancement. Openness to global scientific and technological dialogue, readiness for broad international cooperation – all of this fits logically into Turkmenistan’s national doctrine of permanent positive neutrality, which ultimately yields tangible and lasting results.
A key factor behind the successful implementation of the space project has been the consistent realization of a comprehensive long-term program for Turkmenistan’s socio-economic development. This program places particular emphasis on innovation, introduction of high technologies in production, widespread digitalization and adoption of best international practices in all spheres of life.
By prioritizing the quality and accessibility of education, fostering engagement – especially among young people – in the mainstream global scientific and technological progress, and promoting international cooperation in these areas, Turkmenistan is making the most promising of all investments, i.e. investment in human potential. These are investments in the country’s future, a guarantee of reproducing its most valuable strategic resource – the intellect of the nation.
Today, there is no doubt that Turkmenistan’s strategic course toward joining the ranks of developed nations has proven both justified and successful. The diversification of the economy and industry, with an emphasis on high technologies and promising fields such as space communications, reflects the country’s present realities and its clear vision for the future. This course ensures progress and well-being, addresses key challenges such as improving living standards and environmental protection, and promotes the use of modern management methods in production.
Turkmenistan’s targeted international policy of “open doors” has been one of the important factors behind the success of the national space project. A neutral and peace-oriented foreign policy, free from ideological or political bias has enabled Turkmenistan to build broad partnerships with leading global companies, including those specializing in space research and technology. The country has become an attractive destination for long-term foreign investment across a wide range of sectors, including high technology.
Domestic stability, international credibility and reputation as a reliable and predictable partner have fostered Turkmenistan’s close and mutually beneficial relations with major world powers, as well as with leading economic, financial, scientific and educational institutions. Turkmen specialists actively participate in scientific and technological exchanges and receive advanced training at research and production centers abroad.
In this context, the national reform of the education system is particularly significant, with international academic and student exchange being one of its key components. Today, thousands of young Turkmen men and women are studying at leading universities in Europe, America, Asia and the CIS countries.
The country’s participation in space programs should also be viewed as part of Turkmenistan’s broader foreign policy strategy that is aimed at uniting multilateral efforts to address global challenges of our time, as well as advancing the Turkmen initiatives presented from the rostrum of the United Nations in such areas as sustainable energy, transport and communications, environmental protection, and disarmament.
A profound sense of pride fills me whenever I learn of new achievements in the country where I was born, where I first began to dream of space, and to which I always return with immense joy. Each visit to Turkmenistan leaves me deeply impressed by the speed and scale of the changes taking place. The modern face of Turkmen cities is a symbol of progress and technological advancement. And in the marble-white capital, Ashgabat, I see something truly cosmic: the silhouettes of its tall buildings rise skyward like launch vehicles on their pads, giving the city the unique appearance of a metropolis of the future.
On Earth, a cosmonaut dreams of space. But in space – especially during long orbital missions – he dreams of returning home, of his loved ones and the land of his birth.
Fate often draws its own mysterious trajectories. In my case, it would be hard to pinpoint a single geographic origin of my path as a cosmonaut. I was born and grew up in the Turkmen city of Chardzhou, where my dream of space first took shape. I studied aerospace engineering at a university in Kharkiv, began my professional career as a research engineer at the Progress Rocket and Space Center in Samara, and it was Korolev’s RSC Energia that opened for me the way to the cosmonaut corps. And if I were to list all the cities where I trained for missions to the International Space Station, I would have to mention Houston, Paris, and Tokyo as well.
And yet, I have never separated myself in thought from my homeland – Turkmenistan. Every visit is a celebration for me. Wherever I may be, I always follow with deep interest the events in that country so close to my heart – a country that today shines with remarkable beauty and promise.