The expert meeting titled "The Space Age – 65 Years: Present and Future" brought together youth and representatives of the space industry at the Presidential Center of the DPA RK. The event was organized to mark the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's space flight and the 35th anniversary of Kazakh cosmonaut Toktar Aubakirov's mission.
Approximately 80 university students from the capital participated in the event.
"On April 12, the world celebrated a landmark date: the 65th anniversary of the first human space flight. This day holds particular significance for Kazakhstan, as the space age of human civilization began on Kazakh soil. It is especially symbolic that this anniversary year for cosmonautics coincides with the 35th anniversary of Kazakhstan's independence. Currently, humanity is entering a new phase in space exploration and the development of the global space industry. Satellite technologies are advancing, global communications and Earth observation systems are being established, and artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly significant role in spacecraft control. Space now serves not only as a domain for scientific research but also as a vital component of the global economy and security. Kazakhstan, with its own space program and space industry, represented by an entire network of specialized research and engineering structures, is no exception. It is essential not only to maintain the current level of development in the space sector but also to significantly enhance it. Achieving this requires the active implementation of advanced technologies and investment in the training of specialists, particularly young professionals. Such an approach will enable the industry to progress and remain competitive," stated Bakytzhan Temirbolat, Director of the Presidential Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
"Kazakhstan's space industry is no longer solely a legacy of Baikonur; it has evolved into a comprehensive technological ecosystem encompassing the entire cycle from scientific research to commercial services. We are developing our own rockets, producing satellites, and entering the export market," stated Alan Kazkenov, Deputy Chairman of the Aerospace Committee of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The event featured an open dialogue format and addressed current issues related to the development of the domestic space industry, interdepartmental exchange of expertise, and youth employment in Kazakhstan's space sector.
"Kazakhstan's space industry is currently experiencing dynamic growth. Whereas opportunities in this sector were previously limited, production facilities for satellite manufacturing have now been established, and both scientific and investment projects are underway. Young people have a broad range of opportunities and tangible prospects; they can join existing companies or initiate their own projects. The most important factor is to remain ambitious and committed to realizing innovative ideas. Our own experience reflects this journey: we initiated projects, learned from mistakes, and continued to advance. Today, Kazakhstan has achieved concrete results in spacecraft development and the implementation of export projects," stated Kaiyrzhan Kozhayev, Chairman of the Board of NC Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary JSC.
Bauyrzhan Almatov, CEO of Ghalam LLP, outlined current projects and key areas of activity, including the development and production of satellites, the creation of space technology components and subsystems, and comprehensive testing processes. He also highlighted the implementation of promising initiatives, including the OTS-Sat, KazEOSat-MR, and KazEOSat-HR satellites, as well as a circumlunar telescope.
The meeting provided participants with current information on career opportunities and requirements within domestic space companies, facilitated direct engagement with industry representatives, and enabled attendees to seek guidance and receive professional advice.
Additionally, students were introduced to case studies and promising projects, which helped them gain a clearer understanding of in-demand competencies and the necessary steps to pursue a career in the space industry.
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For reference. Aerospace Committee of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Committee oversees the development of Kazakhstan's space industry. Through regulatory activities, its staff, together with experts from subordinate organizations, support the operation of the domestic satellite constellation and ensure the reliable functioning of the space communications system. The Aerospace Committee also supervises enterprises engaged in satellite construction and advanced projects at the Baikonur complex. National Company Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary JSC. Kazcosmos, a national company with full state ownership, was established by the Decree of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on March 17, 2005. In August 2007, it was renamed National Company Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary JSC. In accordance with the Decree of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated December 13, 2016, No. 795, the Company was designated as the National Operator of the Earth resources observation system (hereinafter referred to as the ERSS) of the Republic of Kazakhstan, consisting of the high- and medium-resolution spacecraft KazEOSat-1 (with a resolution of 1 m) and KazEOSat-2 (with a resolution of 6.5 m) for the provision of space images to individuals and legal entities, as well as the National Operator of the High-Precision Satellite Navigation System (hereinafter referred to as HPSNS) for the implementation of the tasks of providing satellite navigation services throughout the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Currently, NC KGS JSC is actively implementing space and navigation monitoring systems, and high- and medium-resolution space images from the Kazakhstani spacecraft KazEOSat-1, 2 are widely used. Since 2018, JSC NC KGS has been providing space monitoring services to solve a number of industry-specific economic problems. Another step in this direction is the commissioning of the Spacecraft Assembly and Test Complex (hereinafter referred to as the "SATC"). Main activities: - Participation in the development and implementation of current and long-term intersectoral programs related to space activities in Kazakhstan; - Implementation of space technologies to address socio-economic challenges in Kazakhstan; - Conducting experimental design work for the development of space systems and complexes. Objectives: The company secures orders and allocates them among its subsidiaries and affiliates, which are organized by product lines and functions: 1. Design, assembly, and testing of spacecraft and space technology components; 2. Operation of ERSS and provision of ERSS; 3. Operation of ground infrastructure for the high-precision satellite navigation system and provision of navigation services. Ghalam LLP. The company manufactures ground-based equipment for spacecraft, ranging from cable systems to drill bits, and tests this equipment for resistance to extreme space conditions such as vacuum, mechanical stress, and temperature fluctuations. |
