Author: Alberto Cossu – 23/05/2025
Kazakhstan space program
Kazakhstan has actively pursued international cooperation in the space sector, recognizing its importance for the development of its space program and for contributing to global space exploration efforts.
Here’s a breakdown of its key collaborations:
Key Partner Countries and Areas of Cooperation:
- Russia: This is a historically significant and ongoing partnership, primarily centered around the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Located in Kazakhstan, Baikonur is one of the largest operational space launch facility globally and is leased to Russia. Key aspects of this cooperation include:
- Launch Services: Russia conducts numerous launches from Baikonur, including crewed missions to the International Space Station (ISS), as seen with the recent return of astronauts in April 2025 landing in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan benefits economically from the lease and the infrastructure present at Baikonur.
- Joint Projects: Kazakhstan and Russia are involved in the Baiterek project, aiming to develop a new environmentally friendly launch complex at Baikonur.
- Personnel Training: Cooperation includes training Kazakh cosmonauts.
- China: Cooperation with China is growing, particularly in recent years.
- Potential Lunar Base Participation: Kazakhstan has expressed interest in joining the Chinese-led International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project, which would significantly strengthen their space partnership.
- Joint Satellite Development: Kazakh and Chinese entities, such as Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and Northwestern Polytechnical University of China, are collaborating on micro-satellite research and development.
- Launch Site Utilization: Kazakhstan has offered its launch sites for joint rocket programs with Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) countries, including China.
- United States: Cooperation with the US is evident through Kazakhstan’s participation in the ISS program. Kazakh student teams have also gained recognition in NASA’s Space Settlement Contest, indicating scientific and educational collaboration.
- France: There has been cooperation with France in the development of Kazakhstan’s remote sensing satellites.
- Italy: Thales Alenia Space Italy was involved in the development of Kazakhstan’s KazSat-3 telecommunications satellite.
- Other Countries: Kazakhstan has also established or is developing cooperation with countries such as:
- Uzbekistan: Planning joint launches of space satellites and discussing the creation of a national Earth remote sensing system.
- Mongolia: Secured an export contract with Mongolia for a medium-resolution satellite built in Kazakhstan.
- Congo: Partnering to develop and launch an Earth observation radar satellite.
- Belarus, Israel, Ukraine: Intergovernmental agreements have been signed to foster cooperation in space exploration and peaceful uses of outer space.
- Germany, India, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Sweden, Netherlands: These countries are also mentioned as international partners in the development of space technology and applications for Kazakhstan.
Multilateral Cooperation:
- United Nations (UN): Kazakhstan actively participates in UN initiatives related to space exploration and the peaceful uses of outer space, as evidenced by a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry and the UN.
- Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU): Kazakhstan engages in space-related cooperation within these regional organizations.
- Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO): Kazakhstan is proposing joint space initiatives, including the utilization of its launch sites and the creation of a joint satellite constellation for Earth remote sensing, among SCO member states.
Objectives of International Cooperation:
- Technological Advancement: Accessing and sharing expertise and technologies to enhance Kazakhstan’s space capabilities.
- Economic Benefits: Generating revenue through launch services and potentially participating in international space projects.
- Scientific Research: Collaborating on joint scientific missions and utilizing space technologies for research purposes, such as Earth observation.
- Training and Education: Developing a skilled national workforce in the space sector through international training programs and collaborations.
- Geopolitical Influence: Strengthening international relations and demonstrating Kazakhstan’s commitment to space exploration.
In summary, Kazakhstan pursues a multifaceted approach to international space cooperation, leveraging its strategic asset, the Baikonur Cosmodrome, while actively seeking new partnerships to advance its national space program and contribute to the global space community. Its collaborations span a wide range of activities, from launch services and satellite development to scientific research and participation in ambitious international projects like lunar exploration.
Kazakhstan’s space program is in an active stage of development, with a strong emphasis on international cooperation to advance its space capabilities.
Development Stage:
- Existing Infrastructure: Kazakhstan possesses significant space infrastructure, most notably the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Although leased to Russia, it remains a fundamental strategic asset.
- Satellite Development: Kazakhstan is developing and launching its own satellites, such as the KazSat telecommunications satellites and remote sensing satellites.
- Participation in International Projects: Kazakhstan actively participates in international projects, including the International Space Station (ISS) program, and has expressed interest in joining the Chinese-led International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project.
- Personnel Training: Kazakhstan is investing in the training of cosmonauts and space specialists.
Types of Collaboration Needed for Program Implementation:
- Technological Collaboration: Kazakhstan needs collaborations to access advanced technologies and expertise in various space sectors, such as satellite development, launch technologies, and deep space exploration.
- Financial Collaboration: Participation in international space projects requires significant investment. Kazakhstan needs collaborations to finance its space programs.
- Scientific Collaboration: Collaboration with other countries is essential for scientific research in space, such as Earth observation, astrophysics, and space biology.
- Training Collaboration: Kazakhstan needs collaborations to train its space specialists and develop a skilled workforce in the space sector.
Cooperation with Italy and Alenia
Italy, through its aerospace companies, particularly Thales Alenia Space (formerly Alenia Spazio), has been a significant partner in the development of Kazakhstan’s space capabilities. The collaboration primarily focuses on the development and construction of satellites.
Key areas of cooperation with Alenia include:
- KazSat-2 and KazSat-3: Thales Alenia Space Italia was involved in the construction of the KazSat-2 telecommunications satellite, which was launched in 2011. Furthermore, in 2011, KazCosmos signed a contract with ISS-Reshetnev and Thales Alenia Space Italy for the creation of KazSat-3, which was successfully launched in 2014. These satellites have significantly enhanced Kazakhstan’s communication and broadcasting infrastructure.
- KazEOSat-2: While not explicitly mentioned in the search results, Thales Alenia Space has a strong expertise in Earth observation satellites, and it is plausible that they were involved in the development or provision of components for Kazakhstan’s KazEOSat-2, launched in 2014.
- ExoMars Mission: Although not a direct bilateral program, Thales Alenia Space has been a key industrial partner for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) ExoMars missions, launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. These missions, conducted in cooperation with Russia’s Roscosmos, aim to study Mars. Italy has a strong involvement in ExoMars, including the development of the ExoMars Rover Operations Control Centre in Italy.
The involvement of Thales Alenia Space highlights a strong and ongoing partnership between Italy and Kazakhstan in the space sector, particularly in satellite technology. This cooperation contributes to the development of Kazakhstan’s indigenous space capabilities and fosters international collaboration in space exploration and utilization.
In summary, Kazakhstan is actively developing its space program through a wide range of international collaborations. These collaborations are essential for accessing advanced technologies, funding, scientific expertise, and for training qualified personnel.
