Kazakhstan’s Minister Advocates for Country’s Own Communication Satellites
Kazakhstan to Develop Own Communication Satellites, Says Minister
Kazakhstan is aiming to create its own communication satellites, according to Kazakh Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry Bagdat Mussin. The announcement was made during a recent ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the Kazakh National Center for Space Communication at the National Space Center.
The center is renowned as a pioneer in establishing ground-based space infrastructure in the country. Minister Mussin highlighted the team’s achievements and outlined future tasks during the event.
He emphasized the importance of having communication and broadcasting satellites, as well as a unique ground-based space infrastructure for spacecraft control. Kazakhstan currently operates two complexes, Akkol and Kokterek, which enable comprehensive control of a constellation of communication and broadcasting satellites of the KazSat series.
Mussin also mentioned the country’s national space communications and broadcasting system, its own orbital frequency resource, and a team of professional space communications engineers.
Moving forward, the focus will be on providing broadband internet access to remote rural settlements. Currently, 176 out of 504 villages in Kazakhstan are connected to the internet, with plans to connect an additional 2,000 schools to high-speed internet using Starlink satellites.
Additionally, efforts will be made to strengthen and expand the KazSat satellite constellation through the joint venture complex, Galam. The minister highlighted the need for an innovative approach and collaboration between the center and the complex to develop Kazakhstan’s own satellites, utilizing the spacecraft assembly and testing complex at the National Space Center.
The development of communication satellites is seen as a significant step forward for Kazakhstan in advancing its space capabilities and ensuring better connectivity for its citizens.
