Astana (TDI): Kazakhstan plans to manufacture at least five to six Earth observation satellites in the coming years, with some intended for export, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiev announced at a recent government meeting.
Satellite production will be carried out by Kazkosmos JSC (National Space Center) and Ghalam LLP, while in-orbit operations will be managed by the Republican Space Communications Center JSC. According to Madiev, the ministry supervises these entities, and current production capacities are being fully utilized.
“In the coming years, we plan to launch at least five or six remote sensing satellites from this complex, with part of the production focused on exports,” Madiev said. “The expected export volume is around $75 million. This will mark the first high-tech export project of its kind in Kazakhstan and will lay the foundation for the country’s advanced technology exports.”
Madiev also highlighted plans to expand satellite internet services. Starting in 2026, satellite connectivity will be available on Kazakhstan Temir Zholy trains and Air Astana flights, with pilot tests scheduled this year. Currently, three domestic providers offer satellite internet, with two foreign companies expected to enter the market soon.
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Local authorities are tasked with providing satellite internet access in tourist and remote areas, funding the rollout independently. Meanwhile, a nationwide project aims to extend mobile coverage along 40,000 kilometers of highways, with completion expected within two years.
The government is also accelerating 5G deployment, with networks already active in 20 cities and plans to cover up to 75 percent of urban areas. Fiber-optic internet is set to reach more than half of rural settlements over the next two years through the “Last Mile” initiative, connecting hundreds of thousands of households.
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In addition, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are jointly constructing a fiber-optic line along the Caspian Sea seabed to link the two countries. The $50 million project is expected to be completed by year’s end and is designed to strengthen Kazakhstan’s role as a digital bridge between East and West while improving the stability of international data transmission channels, Madiev said.
