The Space Days Kazakhstan 2026 international forum has opened at Nazarbayev University in Astana, bringing together representatives of space agencies, international organizations, business, academia, and the technology community. This year, the forum has brought together representatives from more than 50 countries, over 60 industry speakers, and more than 900 participants, making it one of the largest international platforms for discussing the prospects for the development of the space industry in Central Asia. International participants include representatives of leading space and technology organizations from China, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, the Republic of Korea, France, Germany, the United States, and other countries, as well as representatives of international space agencies and major companies in the global aerospace industry. The participation of leading international companies, including China Great Wall Industry Corporation, Eutelsat, SES, and Thales Alenia Space, is of particular importance. Representatives of these companies are taking part in discussions on satellite communications, space infrastructure, and the development of new space-based services. Plenary Session Opens the Forum’s Business Programme The first day of the forum opened with a plenary session, which was opened by Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In his opening remarks, Zhaslan Madiyev identified data, technology, and people as three key priorities for the development of Kazakhstan’s space industry. “The three key priorities — data, technology, and people — will enable Kazakhstan to create competitive space products and services,” Zhaslan Madiyev noted. The Minister emphasized that Kazakhstan expects the forum to deliver practical outcomes, concrete agreements, and the launch of new joint projects. He also noted that Space Days Kazakhstan is intended to become a regular international platform for professional dialogue and the expansion of international cooperation. The plenary discussion also addressed the prospects for international space cooperation and the role of space technologies in the economic and technological development of countries.
With deep sorrow , we received the news of the untimely passing of Talgat Amangeldievich Musabayev , an outstanding son of the Kazakh people, National Hero of Kazakhstan (Kazakhstan Respublikasynyn Khalyk Kaharmany) , Hero of the Russian Federation, Major General of the Russian Federation, Lieutenant General of Aviation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, cosmonaut, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Academician of the International Academy of Astronautics, Academician of the International Academy of Informatization, Academician of the K.E. Tsiolkovsky Russian Academy of Cosmonautics, and Academician of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences. The name of Talgat Amangeldievich Musabayev is forever etched in the history of world space exploration . His courage, dedication, exceptional professionalism, patriotism, and contributions to Kazakhstan’s space industry command deep respect and admiration . He was not only an accomplished cosmonaut —having journeyed to space three times—but also a visionary statesman who dedicated himself to building and strengthening Kazakhstan’s space infrastructure . His work and personal example have inspired generations of young scientists and professionals . As a cosmonaut, head of the National Space Agency, and statesman , Talgat Musabayev made immense contributions to Kazakhstan’s space industry. He remains the first and only Kazakhstani to have completed three space missions (1994, 1998, 2001) , spending over 341 days in space , including work aboard the Mir and International Space Station (ISS) . As Chairman of the National Space Agency of Kazakhstan (Kazkosmos, 2007–2014) , he laid the foundation for the country’s space sector, driving its formation and development . His key achievements include: Strengthening the scientific and technological base of space activities; Expanding Kazakhstan’s role in operations at the Baikonur Cosmodrome ; Establishing the Baiterek space rocket complex at Baikonur; Developing satellite communications and Earth remote sensing systems ; Creating satellite control centers in Astana and Almaty; Launching satellites , including the KazSat and KazEOSat series ; Building a design and production base for spacecraft; Implementing a high-precision satellite navigation system ; Fostering international cooperation with Russia, France, Ukraine, China, Japan, the UK, Germany, Israel, the UAE, India, South Korea, and others; Establishing a legal framework for space collaboration with partner nations; Enacting key legislation , including the Law on Space Activities of Kazakhstan ; Overseeing the selection, training, and mission of Kazakhstan’s cosmonaut, Aydyn Aimbetov . Musabayev became a symbol of Kazakh cosmonautics , blending hands-on spaceflight experience, strategic leadership, and a professional approach to industry growth. Thanks to his efforts, Kazakhstan secured its place among nations with independent space capabilities. The Aerospace Committee of the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan shares in the grief of his loved ones and extends its deepest condolences to the family of Talgat Amangeldievich Musabayev . His memory will forever live in our hearts.
On July 18, 2025, the First Regional Seminar organized by the Regional Office of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) was held in Baku, Azerbaijan. The event brought together delegations from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The primary objective of the meeting was to strengthen cultural, educational, and scientific cooperation between the countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia, and to develop joint strategies in the fields of sustainable development and innovation. On behalf of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the seminar was attended by Mr. Alan Kazkenov, Deputy Chairman of the Aerospace Committee of the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Kazakhstani delegation also included representatives from the national space industry enterprise - LLP «Institute of Space Technique and Technology» and a representative from the Culture Committee of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan. During the first panel session, Alan Kazkenov delivered a presentation titled «Kazakhstan’s Activity in the Field of Education, Science, and Technology in the Aerospace Sector». In his speech, he emphasized that Kazakhstan is actively implementing national strategies aimed at advancing technological solutions, training engineering personnel, and expanding international cooperation. He highlighted examples of inclusive educational programs such as UniSat (in partnership with UNICEF), academic initiatives at leading national universities, and innovative projects such as the OTS Sat satellite, AI-based software tools, and national engineering competitions. The presentation also showcased projects including space-based monitoring of economic sectors, the deployment of satellite-based emergency response systems for accidents and disasters, prospective IoT satellite constellations, lunar-orbit telescope design concepts, and preparations for the SANA cognitive resilience experiment. Additional proposals were made for the creation of a regional open satellite data bank under ICESCO, and for collaborative development of educational programs as a foundation for sustainable and joint progress. During the visit, a meeting was also held with representatives of the Space Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan «Azercosmos» where both sides discussed future cooperation and promising projects. To conclude the seminar, the representatives of Kazakhstan invited participants of the ICESCO seminar, as well as Azercosmos representatives, to attend the upcoming international forum « Space Days Kazakhstan 2025 » , which will take place on September 8 - 9, 2025, at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan.
