Kazakhstan is set to strengthen its space sector through a new $13mn grant from China, under the Agreement on Technical and Economic Cooperation concluded at the recent SCO summit. This grant, announced by the Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan, Zhaslan Madiev, aims to bolster computational astronomy, astrophysical research, and scientific infrastructure in Kazakhstan.
Madiev shared on social media that the grant will facilitate the development of space industry competencies through joint efforts between Kazakh scientific institutes and Chinese counterparts. This includes collaborative projects with the Kazakh National University named after Al-Farabi and the Northwestern Polytechnic University of China focusing on microsatellite research.
In the social media post madiev wrote, "In addition, within the framework of another memorandum signed, it is planned that the parties will cooperate in the process of establishing and utilizing the International Scientific Moon Station. With this, our specialists will gain competence and experience in applying high technology in the field of deep space exploration." Madiev wrote.
Galam LLP and the V.G. Fesenkov Astrophysical Institute plan to develop a Kazakh lunar telescope, which will significantly enhance Kazakhstan’s capabilities in deep space exploration. A lunar telescope, designed to be deployed on the Moon’s surface, would provide clearer and more detailed astronomical observations due to the lack of atmospheric interference, thus leveraging the Moon’s stable environment for advanced scientific research.
A notable aspect of this growing cooperation is the potential for commercial use of each other’s spaceports by Kazakhstan and China. This move could diversify Kazakhstan’s space activities and reduce its dependence on Russian facilities.
Despite these promising developments, the future of the Baikonur Cosmodrome remains uncertain. Currently leased from Russia until 2050, Baikonur has been a symbol of the strategic partnership between Russia and Kazakhstan. However, experts suggest that Kazakhstan may need to diversify its activities away from Russia to achieve a greater future in space. Bleddyn Bowen, an associate professor specializing in space policy at the University of Leicester, highlighted the need for Kazakhstan to explore new partnerships and opportunities beyond Russia.
Stanislav Pritchin, head of the Central Asia sector of the IMEMO RAS, pointed out that despite historical cooperation, challenges such as the delayed Baiterek project, which aimed to modernize the launch complex at Baikonur, have hindered progress. Originally estimated at $223mn, the project's cost has increased significantly over the past 20 years without realization.
China’s interest in expanding its cooperation with Kazakhstan is seen as part of a broader strategy to enhance its influence in the region. While Kazakhstan’s space resources are currently limited, the partnership with China could pave the way for significant advancements. However, Pritchin noted that China is unlikely to replace Russia at Baikonur in the near future due to long-term agreements and different industry standards.
Experts also speculate that Kazakhstan might reconsider the lease terms of Baikonur or potentially transform it into an international cosmodrome, open to multiple countries. This would require substantial international collaboration, as Kazakhstan currently lacks the resources to operate the facility independently.
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