Astana: Kazakhstan plans to establish an international Earth observation satellite constellation comprising nine spacecraft by 2030, with the potential to expand it to 14 satellites, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Development and Artificial Intelligence Zhaslan Madiyev said, Qazinform News Agency reported.
According to Nam News Network, Kazakhstan has already reached agreements with three countries-Mongolia, the Republic of the Congo, and Nigeria-to participate in the Earth observation project. The planned constellation will initially include six satellites from Kazakhstan, supplemented by satellites from Mongolia, the Republic of the Congo, and Nigeria. Madiyev emphasized Kazakhstan's openness to collaborating with additional partners, stating the potential to expand the constellation to 14 satellites at the Space Days Kazakhstan international forum.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan is also focused on developing a replacement for the KazSat-3 communications satellite, known as KazSat-3R. This new satellite is intended to ensure the continued stable operation of the country's national satellite communications system and meet modern technological requirements.
Madiyev highlighted the advancement of Kazakhstan's space engineering capabilities, noting that a spacecraft assembly and testing facility is operational in Astana. This facility allows Kazakhstan to assemble satellites, conduct essential tests, enhance its domestic engineering capacity, and engage in international manufacturing projects.
Earlier, Qazinform reported that Kazakhstan had earmarked more than US$10 billion for the new KazSat-3R communications satellite.