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Signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between Kozybayev University and the Institute of Ionosphere

LLP "Ionosphere Institute" and LLP "Ghalam" have become full members of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). This announcement was made during the opening ceremony of the 75th International Astronautical Congress, which took place from October 14-18, 2024, in Italy.

The International Astronautical Federation (IAF), established in 1951 to foster dialogue among scientists worldwide and support international cooperation in space research and technology, has over 400 members, including all key space agencies, companies, societies, associations, museums, and institutions across six continents and 70 countries. This year, the congress attracted more than 8,000 participants from 96 countries.

Joining the IAF opens new horizons for LLP "Ghalam," providing the opportunity to actively participate in international space exploration initiatives and collaborate with global leaders in space technology. Membership in one of the most authoritative organizations in the field of astronautics will enable the company to expand its access to important resources and partnership opportunities, thereby strengthening its position on the international stage as a developer of innovative solutions for the space industry. Over the years, the company has accumulated significant experience in developing satellite systems and implementing large-scale space projects. Joining the IAF will provide LLP "Ghalam" with additional opportunities to enhance its influence and further develop both in Kazakhstan and globally.

LLP "Ionosphere Institute's" participation in scientific programs on space stations such as Mir and the ISS, as well as its work on the reliability of space equipment, microgravity research, and the effects of space travel on humans, contributes significantly to global space research. Thus, the entry of LLP "Ionosphere Institute," one of Kazakhstan's leading research institutions with over 60 years of history in near-Earth space research and the application of satellite data for solving socio-economic tasks, as a full member of the IAF opens new opportunities for promoting its scientific achievements and developments on an international level. Collaboration with leading organizations, companies, and respected scientists in the field of space technologies will create conditions for the scientific community to engage in the development and implementation of global projects. Membership in one of the most prestigious organizations in astronautics will provide access to key resources and partnerships, enabling the institute to strengthen its position as a leading institution in innovative solutions that meet international standards.

This year, the team from LLP "Ionosphere Institute" actively participated in one of the main platforms for dialogue at the annual IAC event, which hosts several simultaneous activities, including ministerial meetings from various countries, sessions with heads of major space agencies that are global leaders in the field, astronaut gatherings, and special events for young professionals in the industry.

The accession of LLP "Ionosphere Institute" to the IAF will bolster Kazakhstan's position as an active participant in international space activities and may further advance space technologies in the country.

We are confident that this event will mark an important milestone for the companies and the entire space sector of Kazakhstan.

Press Service of the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The Minister of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry, Zhaslan Madiyev, congratulated Tokhtar Aubakirov on the anniversary of his first flight into space.

The head of the Ministry expressed gratitude to the first astronaut for his contributions to the development of the space industry and wished him many more years of life.

“On behalf of the entire ministry, I congratulate you on this historically significant day for our country. You are a legendary figure. Your example has paved the way for our other astronauts. Your research and experiments have become a scientific legacy for educational institutions. I wish you and your family good health, a long and happy life, success, prosperity, and unity! Always remain a role model for the youth, cherishing the warmth and special respect of our people! Thank you for this historic day!” noted Zhaslan Madiyev.

The minister also shared a personal experience with the esteemed astronaut and revealed an interesting fact about himself: “In my childhood, Tokhtar Aubakirov and I lived in the same neighborhood. When my friends and I played football, we would rush over to greet our national hero when we saw him. When I returned home to my parents, I would always say that I wanted to become an astronaut like Tokhtar Aubakirov. Now, having come to the ministry, I found myself in the space industry, and one could say—my dream has come true.”

Today, October 2, 2024, marks the 33rd anniversary of the flight of the first Kazakh astronaut, Tokhtar Aubakirov, into space. As part of the crew, he spent a week aboard the "Mir" orbital station and returned on October 10. During this time, he conducted five scientific experiments.

In 1991, as part of the scientific program on the Orbital Complex "Mir," he carried out five space experiments involving five institutes of the Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh SSR in the fields of space medicine, biotechnology, materials science, and remote sensing.

During the flight, he also filmed sandstorms over the Aral Sea and conducted medical and biological research. Specialized food products and space biotechnology were closely monitored. The behavior of molten metals in microgravity was studied. All collected samples returned to Earth, where they were thoroughly examined by scientists.

Thus, Kazakhstan has achieved significant successes in space activities over the past decades. Since Tokhtar Aubakirov's flight in 1991, the country has actively developed its capabilities in space, playing an important role on the international space stage.

A prime example is the Baikonur Cosmodrome—the largest spaceport in the world. It is an important strategic asset not only for Kazakhstan but also for international space programs.

Kazakhstan is also working on developing its own space industry, which includes projects to create and launch its own Earth remote sensing and communication satellites, as well as space technology and applications.

On the international stage, Kazakhstan actively collaborates with various countries and space agencies, such as Roscosmos, NASA, and the European Space Agency (ESA). Baikonur continues to be a vital launch site for space missions, including missions to the International Space Station (ISS).

Currently, the Ministry is working on the implementation of the sixth scientific program for space research and experiments on the ISS, and negotiations are underway with relevant countries for the flights of the fourth Kazakh astronaut.

These achievements affirm Kazakhstan’s aspiration to become an active player in the global space industry, and its further development in this field could open new opportunities for the country’s science, technology, and economy.

Press Service of the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Thirty-three years ago, on October 2, 1991, Kazakhstan took a historic step into space. Astronaut Tokhtar Aubakirov launched aboard the "Soyuz TM-13" spacecraft from Baikonur with his crew. He spent a week on the "Mir" orbital station and returned on October 10. During this time, he conducted five scientific experiments.

The flight included filming sandstorms over the Aral Sea and medical-biological research. Specialized food products and space biotechnology were closely monitored. The behavior of molten metals in microgravity was studied. All collected samples returned to Earth, where they were thoroughly examined by scientists.

Tokhtar Aubakirov's flight marked a key moment in the development of Kazakhstan's space science and technology. As the first astronaut of Kazakh nationality, his achievements signify the beginning of a new era in Earth observation from space and the development of space technologies in Kazakhstan.

Tokhtar Aubakirov Ongarbaevich, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, 72nd astronaut of the USSR, Honored Test Pilot of the USSR, Honored Master of Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Major General of the Air Force of Kazakhstan, Hero of the Soviet Union, and People's Hero of Kazakhstan.

Amazon Kuiper representative Jeff Kietzman expressed confidence that the collaboration will enhance the use of satellite communications in low Earth orbit to address contemporary challenges and will undoubtedly benefit customers in Kazakhstan.

The discussion on the development of satellite communications continued during the panel session "Space Technologies as an Integral Part of Digitalization," which featured global operators and newcomers to the satellite communications market.

Kazakhstan, as is known, has two space systems: the Kazsat satellite communication constellation and the KazEOSat Earth remote sensing satellites.

In his speech, Vasily Leonov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of JSC "Republican Center for Space Communications," discussed the progress of the company's pilot project aimed at providing internet access to remote villages, which has helped reduce social inequality in access to communication services between urban and rural areas.

"Telecommunications and digitalization are one and the same; they cannot exist separately," he noted.

Kairzhan Kojaev, Chairman of the Board of JSC "Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary," shared his colleagues' experiences in space monitoring in Kazakhstan. Based on available remote sensing data, digital platforms have been created in the country for agriculture, water resources, resource utilization, and ecology.

According to the participants, the potential of space technologies, in harmony with digitalization, particularly the application of digital platforms in everyday life, will help make a significant leap in the development of the national economy and overall improve the quality of life for Kazakhstanis.

Previously, Minister of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry Zhaslan Madiyev explained that Amazon Kuiper is a satellite solution for internet provision, similar to Starlink and OneWeb. Therefore, by fostering competition in this area, we can obtain higher-quality services for citizens at an acceptable price.

Author: Sara Kabievna

On July 18, 2024, Chairman of the Aerospace Committee of the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Aerospace committee) Baubek Oralmagambetov visited JSC National Center for Space Research and Technology (NCSRT).

During his visit, Mr. Oralmagambetov held a meeting with NCSRT staff, during which he talked about the current state and prospects for the development of the space industry in Kazakhstan. Special attention was paid to key areas contributing to strengthening the country’s position in the global space community.

During the meeting, representatives of NCSRT asked the Chairman a number of questions about the strategic priorities for the development of the space program, the integration of new technologies and prospects for international cooperation. B.Oralmagambetov stressed the importance of further development of cooperation between government agencies, scientific and industrial enterprises within the framework of the national space program.

«We are confident that joint efforts will allow us to reach new heights in space exploration and the introduction of space technologies in various areas of the national economy,» said Mr. Oralmagambetov.

During the visit, the head of the Aerospace Committee also got acquainted with the activities of the NCSRT Materials Science Laboratory, where the results of a number of scientific studies in the field of materials for space technologies were presented. He expressed recognition and support for the work of the laboratory, noting the importance of its contribution to the development of the national space industry.

Press Service of JSC «National Center for Space Research and Technology»