Turkmenistan and Starlink, the satellite internet service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX, have discussed prospects for cooperation in digital technologies, telecommunications, and the implementation of modern satellite solutions.
Turkmenistan’s Minister of Finance and Economy, Mammetguly Astanagulov, met with Rebecca Hunter, Director of Starlink Global Licensing and Activation at SpaceX, in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, on the sidelines of the second Central Asia–US Business Forum (B5+1), held on February 4–5, according to Business Turkmenistan.
Both sides confirmed their interest in further developing long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation. They discussed prospects for partnership in leveraging high-tech infrastructure for national development and implementing modern satellite communication systems across the country.
The Turkmen delegation also took part in a roundtable discussion with representatives of the US business community within the framework of the business forum.
The talks come as SpaceX continues its rapid rollout across Central Asia. Starlink, a satellite internet provider, officially launched satellite internet services on February 5 in Tajikistan, expanding access to high-speed connectivity in the country. Starlink previously launched operations in Kazakhstan on August 13, 2025.
In April 2015, SpaceX launched Turkmenistan’s first national satellite, Turkmen Alem 52E, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, and it reached geostationary orbit. The satellite is expected to reach the end of its service life around 2030–2031. Turkmenistan has since revealed intentions to deploy a second telecommunications satellite.
Starlink is a global satellite communications system developed by the aerospace company SpaceX, providing high-speed, low-latency broadband to more than 150 countries using thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit at an altitude of 550 km. SpaceX specializes in the development and launch of rockets, satellite systems, and commercial space technologies.
A partnership with SpaceX and Starlink would strategically benefit Turkmenistan by extending connectivity to remote areas where fiber-optic cables are not feasible, advancing the “Digital Turkmenistan” state program initiative with high-speed internet for business and government, and supporting the Middle Corridor trade route through improved digital tracking and regional technological alignment.
Earlier, Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashit Meredow held a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss trade and regional security. The conversation was a “logical follow-up” to the recent visit of US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Sergio Gor, to Turkmenistan in January, during which key aspects of Turkmen-American cooperation were discussed in detail.
During the talks, particular attention was paid to progress in strengthening regional security and economic prosperity in Central Asia. Secretary Rubio reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to cooperating with Turkmenistan to develop business ties and strengthen bilateral relations,” the report said.
