Kazakhstan’s Space Transformation: Strengthening Its Global Leadership in the Industry
The global spotlight is once again turning to Kazakhstan — and not solely because of the legendary Baikonur Cosmodrome. With its rich space heritage and strategically significant infrastructure, Kazakhstan is emerging as a confident, independent player in the international space sector. By investing in advanced technologies, scientific research, and cross-border collaboration, the country is positioning space exploration as a core pillar of its national development strategy.
From Soviet Legacy to a National Strategy
Kazakhstan inherited the world’s largest launch facility, the Baikonur Cosmodrome, along with specialised academic schools and advanced competencies in satellite technologies from the Soviet Union. These foundational assets laid the groundwork for the country’s national space policy, which Kazakhstan continues to actively expand. Today, the country is building out its own infrastructure, including satellite control centres, modernized remote sensing and navigation systems, and new spacecraft platforms.
The key operator of the industry is JSC “NC “Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary”, responsible for satellite communications and the technical infrastructure. Scientific development and talent training are provided by the Institute of Space Research and Technology at KazNU. At the same time, the private sector is gaining momentum, with emerging aerospace startups and joint initiatives in collaboration with Europe and China.
In 2025, Kazakhstan plans the maiden launch of its domestically developed launch vehicle for weather-monitoring satellites, a landmark step towards independent space access. The space sector is being actively developed by the Ministry of Digital Development, which allocates between 6 and 6.4 billion tenge (USD 13–14 million) annually for the maintenance and expansion of space infrastructure.
As part of the KazEOSat-MR programme, 9.2 billion tenge in funding is planned for 2025. The replacement of the KazSat-3 satellite with KazSat-3R is estimated at 87.2 billion tenge, of which 40.3 billion will be covered by the state budget and 46.9 billion by the Republican Center for Space Communications (RCSC).
These figures confirm the systemic government support and strategic importance of the space sector for Kazakhstan.
JSC NC Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary: The Main Driver of the Industry
JSC “NC “Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary” is a key state-owned company and the national operator of Kazakhstan’s, playing a pivotal role in advancing the country’s space sector.
The company’s core areas of activity include:
- Development and launch of satellites as part of the spacecraft development stream.
- Advancement of Earth remote sensing (ERS) technologies and services for monitoring natural resources, environmental conditions, and emergency response.
- Establishment and integration of a national satellite navigation system.
By coordinating Kazakhstan’s major space initiatives, the company is transforming the country from a tenant of Soviet-era infrastructure into an independent and technologically advanced player in the global space industry.
According to the Development Plan, by 2032 Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary aims to become the locomotive of the industry, delivering reliable space-based data to support the digital transformation of the national economy and boost international exports. The construction of the Spacecraft Assembly and Testing Complex in Astana, a facility for assembling and testing satellites jointly developed with Airbus, is nearing completion. This cutting-edge complex is equipped with a unique acoustic chamber and specialized SEREME (France) equipment, elevating Kazakhstan’s satellite manufacturing capabilities to an international level.
Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary is open to international cooperation and already actively participates in joint projects with leading global partners, offering its infrastructure to support international scientific and technological collaboration.
5 Reasons to Invest in Kazakhstan’s Space Sector
The success of any space industry hinges on strategic investment—and Kazakhstan offers a solid, robust infrastructure for growth:
- Political stability and neutrality, creating a secure and predictable investment environment.
- Strategic geographic location between Europe and Asia, with direct access to the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
- Skilled workforce and scientific capacity, including engineers, programmers, and researchers trained specifically for the aerospace sector.
- A broad range of focus areas: small satellite and CubeSat production, space manufacturing, Earth remote sensing (ERS) services, satellite navigation, and educational and R&D projects.
- Government support: tax incentives, grants, transparent regulatory procedures, and participation in international partnerships with the EU, China, and the United States.
Projects and Technologies: Kazakhstan’s Emerging Edge in Space
Kazakhstan is rapidly advancing its space technologies, and the results are already visible. Earth remote sensing (ERS) satellites KazEOSat-1 and KazEOSat-2, along with the student-designed nanosatellite Al-Farabi-1, are currently operational in orbit. Preparations are underway for the launch of a new ERS satellite series, aimed at expanding monitoring capabilities for natural and man-made phenomena. In 2024, Kazakhstan delivered its first fully domestically manufactured satellite to Mongolia and now exports geospatial data and analytics services to dozens of countries worldwide.
Satellite technologies are being applied across agriculture, environmental management, and urban planning, from detecting unauthorized landfills and wildfires to assessing underutilized land. That same year, Kazakhstan secured a ¥100 million grant from China for joint research projects in computational astronomy and space modeling. The country has also joined the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) initiative and is currently developing its first national lunar telescope—marking a significant step forward in Kazakhstan’s global space collaboration.
Kazakhstan as a Regional Space Hub
Kazakhstan is strengthening its role as Central Asia’s leading space hub by offering a platform for joint scientific and technological initiatives, hosting infrastructure for international projects, and serving as a testing ground for innovative solutions in the space sector. The country collaborates with the European Union on satellite monitoring and environmental protection; with China on the development of small satellites and ground receiving stations; and with the United States on educational, engineering, and incubation programs for space technologies and data commercialization. The United Arab Emirates also views Kazakhstan as a valued source of expertise in Earth remote sensing (ERS) and satellite navigation. The Baikonur Cosmodrome remains a strategic global launch site. Kazakhstan is planning to modernize its infrastructure and expand commercial launch capabilities with a focus on technological independence and environmental sustainability—further reinforcing its position as the region’s foremost space facility.
The People Driving Kazakhstan’s Space Sector
Behind Kazakhstan’s dynamic progress in the space industry stand the people, scientists, engineers, professors, and students who are building the foundation for future achievements. Specialist training is ensured by the country’s leading academic institutions, including Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Nazarbayev University, and the Almaty University of Power Engineering and Telecommunications. A key player is the Institute of Space Research and Technology at KazNU, which serves as a national hub for advanced scientific research and practical training.
Kazakhstan actively promotes international collaboration, with students and postgraduate researchers undergoing internships and participating in joint educational and scientific programs with aerospace centres in Europe, China, and the United States.
The leadership of Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary and the Institute of Space Research includes some of the most influential figures in the sector. These recognised experts have their initiatives and achievements regularly featured in industry media and strategic reports. They are shaping Kazakhstan’s space vision and strengthening the country’s reputation as a forward-looking space nation that keeps pace with innovation and contributes actively to the future of global space exploration.
Conclusion
Kazakhstan is no longer a passive observer; it is actively shaping its own future in space. Through the development of homegrown technologies, the construction of modern infrastructure, and the cultivation of a highly skilled talent pool, the country is asserting its rightful position within the global space ecosystem. With a clear vision and robust international partnerships, Kazakhstan is harnessing space as a catalyst for economic growth, scientific innovation, and global influence.
