An international scientific conference on aerospace technology titled “Space Cooperation” was held on March 22 to mark the 45th anniversary of a Mongolian citizen’s first spaceflight. The Ministry of Defense jointly organized the event with the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Intersputnik, and the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization.

The conference was attended by Mongolian cosmonaut and Hero of Mongolia Gurragchaa Jugderdemid, Asia’s first cosmonaut and Hero of the Armed Forces of Vietnam Pham Tuan, and China’s first astronaut Yang Liwei, along with ambassadors and researchers.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav noted that 45 years ago, a Mongolian citizen flew into space aboard the Soyuz-39, marking a historic milestone in the country's space program. This made Mongolia the 10th country in the world and the second in Asia to send its citizens into space.

Building on this historic achievement in 1981, Mongolia has steadily strengthened the foundations of its space sector over the past 45 years. The country joined the Intercosmos program in the late 1970s, became a member of Intersputnik in 1979, and later joined the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization in 2008, gradually expanding its international cooperation.

Mongolian scientists have made significant advances in fields such as space physics, space medicine, and remote sensing, while laying the groundwork for applying satellite communications and space data in practical sectors. The Prime Minister emphasized that Mongolia’s space policy must move beyond paper, calling for functional institutions, a modern legal framework, and an integrated system linking science, technology, and data with decision-making.

He emphasized that the conference, along with related cooperation agreements, research initiatives, training programs, and support for young professionals, represents a significant step toward achieving these goals. The Government reaffirmed its commitment to advancing this agenda.

The Prime Minister also emphasized that space technology is no longer a distant field, but an integral part of modern development, underscoring the importance of increasing investment in human resources, science, and innovation to drive knowledge-based growth.

A commemorative stamp titled “65th Anniversary of Human Spaceflight and 45th Anniversary of the First Mongolian in Space” was also unveiled to honor both global and national milestones in space exploration.

Published Date:2026-03-23