Astana: Kazakhstan is setting its sights on launching an international Earth observation satellite constellation by 2030, with a goal of deploying nine spacecraft and a potential expansion to 14 satellites. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Development and Artificial Intelligence, Zhaslan Madiyev, announced these plans at the Space Days Kazakhstan international forum,
According to Nam News Network, Kazakhstan has already secured participation from Mongolia, the Republic of the Congo, and Nigeria for this Earth observation initiative. The planned constellation will initially comprise six satellites from Kazakhstan, with additional contributions from the partner nations. Madiyev emphasized the country’s openness to collaborating with new partners, suggesting that the constellation could eventually grow to include 14 satellites.
In addition to the Earth observation project, Kazakhstan is focused on developing a replacement for the KazSat-3 communications satellite, named KazSat-3R. This new satell
ite is expected to ensure the continuity and stability of Kazakhstan’s national satellite communications system, while meeting current technological standards.
Madiyev also spoke about the advancements in Kazakhstan’s space engineering sector. The country is operating a spacecraft assembly and testing facility in Astana, which allows for the assembly and testing of satellites, bolstering domestic engineering capabilities, and facilitating participation in international manufacturing projects.
Earlier reports from Qazinform highlighted that Kazakhstan has allocated over US$10 billion for the development of the KazSat-3R communications satellite, underscoring the country’s commitment to advancing its space technology infrastructure.