Modernization of Zenit launching site in Kazakhstan - Russia backtracks, Kazakhstan to bear all costs

Kazakhstan, most probably, will take upon itself all the costs associated with modernization of Zenit launch complex in order to replace Proton booster, Tengrinews reports citing IA Novosti-Kazakhstan.

The announcement was made by the Chariman of the National Space Agency KazCosmos Talgat Musabayev on June 23 in Astana.

“We would like to replace it [Proton] with Zenit rocket launcher. Of course, Proton is one of a kind technological achievement; there are practically no rockets of such good quality in the world. But you are right: this rocket uses terribly toxic fuel components. This is why I supported and support its replacement,” Musabayev said during the meeting in the lower chamber of the Parliament.

Replacement of Proton with Zenit is planned as part of Baiterek rocket launch project aimed at transitioning to ecologically safe use of kerosene and oxygen as rocket fuel. The new complex will be using the existing Ukrainian-made Zenit rocket carrier, which does not employ highly toxic rocket fuel as opposed to Proton.

Musabayev affirmed Baiterek project’s significance: “The project carries strategic importance for the national interests of Kazakhstan as it is the only real possibility of saving Baikonur’s prospects and its gradual transition to Kazakhstan [the cosmodrome is leased by Russia], solving ecological problems of the cosmodrome, and the country entering the world commercial [space] launches market.”

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Zenit rocket Proton news launch Kazakhstan Kazakh Baikonur