Kazakhstan is set to invest $22.2 million in the development of a new communications satellite, KazSat-3R, as the Central Asian nation prepares to replace its ageing KazSat-3 spacecraft before it reaches the end of its operational life in 2029.
The funding, approved under a government resolution signed by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, is intended to maintain the country's satellite communications network, which supports television broadcasting, data transmission, mobile communications and internet services across Kazakhstan.
KazSat-3R will replace KazSat-3, which was launched in 2014 and remains a key part of the country's telecommunications infrastructure.
Satellite communications are particularly important in Kazakhstan, the world's ninth-largest country by land area, where remote communities are often beyond the reach of conventional terrestrial networks.
According to the government, the KazSat system serves 19 telecommunications operators and provides television services to more than two million subscribers, underlining its strategic importance for both consumers and businesses.
Kazakhstan plans to award the satellite construction contract by the end of 2026. Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry Minister Zhaslan Madiyev said companies from Russia, China, Türkiye and Finland had submitted bids.
The applicants include Russia's Glavkosmos, China's China Great Wall Industry Corporation and Shanghai Engineering Center for Microsatellites, reflecting strong international competition in a sector dominated by a relatively small number of specialised manufacturers.
The need for a replacement became more pressing after KazSat-3 suffered a power system malfunction in 2023, temporarily disrupting television broadcasting.
Although engineers restored the satellite's operation, the incident exposed the risks associated with ageing orbital infrastructure and reinforced plans to commission a successor before the existing spacecraft reaches the end of its service life.
KazSat-3 was built by Russia's Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev in partnership with an Italian aerospace company and launched into orbit in 2014.
Since then, it has formed the backbone of Kazakhstan's domestic satellite communications network, supporting broadcasters, telecommunications providers and government services.
The KazSat-3R project also reflects Kazakhstan's ambition to strengthen its domestic space industry and reduce dependence on foreign satellite services.
As demand for secure communications and digital connectivity continues to grow, the government sees satellite infrastructure as a key element of the country's telecommunications network.
China’s ruling Communist Party is stepping up oversight of technology firms, internet platforms and digital finance in a sweeping drive to ta...
A wave of bomb threats targeting passenger flights has disrupted air travel across Europe, forcing diversions, airport closures and fighter jet esc...
U.S. President Donald Trump says Washington will end its annual financial and military aid to Israel by the end of 2026, under an agreement he clai...
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says the U.S. must act to prevent war after Tehran sent a “strong and rational response” to Washington. Meanwhile, U.S. forces have reportedly carried out limited strikes against Iranian targets, including Qeshm Island,
Hundreds of millions of U.S. citizens head to the polls on 3 November to elect the House of Representatives and Senate. How they vote could influence the direction of Donald Trump’s remaining 26 months in office and the outcomes of the Ukraine and Iran conflicts.
A six-day humanitarian ceasefire in the Russian-held Ukrainian town of Oleshky ended on Sunday, 1 November, after facilitating aid deliveries and civilian evacuations.
Kyrgyzstan has emerged as Central Asia’s fastest-growing economy, fuelled by a construction boom, public investment and trade linked to Russia. But with Western sanctions tightening, can the country sustain its rapid growth?
Russia airstrikes on a school used as a humanitarian aid distribution point in southeastern Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region killed at least 26 people, including rescue workers and police officers, Ukrainian officials said. Another 27 people were reported missing.
A new book examining Azerbaijan’s military strategy, technology and operations during the Garabagh wars has been unveiled in Baku, offering insights into the country’s victories and lessons for modern warfare.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says the U.S. must act to prevent war after Tehran sent a “strong and rational response” to Washington. Meanwhile, U.S. forces have reportedly carried out limited strikes against Iranian targets, including Qeshm Island,
Tajikistan has banned electronic cigarettes and nicotine delivery systems, becoming the latest Central Asian country to outlaw their production, import and sale as part of a wider push to protect public health.
Kyrgyzstan has emerged as Central Asia’s fastest-growing economy, fuelled by a construction boom, public investment and trade linked to Russia. But with Western sanctions tightening, can the country sustain its rapid growth?
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said the government plans to publish a draft of the country's new constitution in November, with public consultations to follow, as constitutional reforms remain a key issue in efforts to secure a final peace agreement with Azerbaijan.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment