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Tengrinews.kz - Kazakhstan should move beyond the role of a “spacefaring landlord” and become an active participant in the global space industry, Senator Andrey Lukin said in a statement to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.
In his parliamentary inquiry, Lukin emphasized the growing dependence of modern sectors — including technology, digitalization, communications, transport, finance, meteorology, and defense — on stable space infrastructure.
"Given the current global context and Kazakhstan’s limited but stable potential, we must focus our attention and develop a pragmatic action plan in niche areas where we already have experience and advantages. It’s time to shift from being a spacefaring nation that rents out facilities to one that plays a real role in the space industry," the senator said.
Lukin urged the government to invest in satellite and rocket technologies and voiced support for the KazSat-3R project — a communications satellite meant to serve Kazakhstan.
"The KazSat-3R project needs 40.2 billion tenge in co-financing from the national budget. Changes to the public procurement law have complicated access for foreign manufacturers, who are considered key potential suppliers for satellite development. Therefore, I propose exempting KazSat-3R from the law or allowing the tender to be held under special procedures," he said.
He also called for the continuation of Kazakhstan’s national satellite program and proposed the development of an ultra-light launch vehicle within the country.
KazSat-3R is intended to replace the aging KazSat-3 satellite, which was launched in 2014 to provide TV, radio, and internet services. In September 2023, KazSat-3 experienced power system issues that caused temporary outages, accelerating the need for a replacement.
Previously, the Kazakhstan government withdrew from the Mazhilis a bill concerning cooperation with the Russian Federation in the space sector.
