Kazakhstan and Russia discuss moving Soyuz-5 rocket production to Baikonur

Kazakhstan is in discussions with Russia to relocate the production of the Soyuz-5 (Irtysh) launch vehicle from Russia to the Baikonur Cosmodrome, according to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.

Key Details:

• Location Shift: Talks focus on moving manufacturing operations of the Soyuz-5 medium-class rocket from Russian territory to Baikonur, a site historically significant for both Soviet and Russian space programs, currently leased by Russia but located in Kazakhstan.
   
• Rocket Overview: The Soyuz-5, developed by Energia Rocket and Space Corporation, is designed to launch payloads up to 17 tonnes into low Earth orbit using the RD-171MV engine under the "Fenix" project.
   
• Strategic Vision: Kazakhstan aims to develop Baikonur as a regional space hub, engaging not only with Russia but also foreign states and private firms, signaling a broader international and commercial space collaboration strategy.
   

Strategic Implications:

• For Kazakhstan: The move would strengthen its role in the global space sector, create local high-tech jobs, and enhance technological capabilities.
   
• For Russia: It could reinforce space cooperation with Kazakhstan while potentially mitigating some logistical or political constraints at home.
  
  The potential relocation reflects a growing trend of regionalizing aerospace production and fostering bilateral space partnerships amid shifting global alliances.

Copied