The MoU brings together extensive opportunities for exploration that KGS has with ESV’s unique position as the only private space company from Kazakhstan and Ghalam’s international expertise in the aerospace industry. Under the MoU, the parties plan to establish a joint space hub, develop aerospace manufacturing methods for prototyping and attract foreign investment for the creation of a spacecraft.

According to Mr Ibragimov, many international developers will be attracted to the hub, where they will be able to work on projects covering many disciplines, including operating systems. These operating systems would be integrated with the infrastructure of satellites already in place as well as with those being put into orbit. Programmes are also being planned to manufacture equipment for next-generation satellites to boost the competitiveness of the domestic industry.

Kazakhstan is home to the historic Baikonur cosmodrome, which has advanced technological infrastructure and industrial facilities for manufacturing and launching rockets and satellites into space and developing space technologies. 

Shukhrat Ibragimov, Founder of Eurasian Space Ventures, said, “History repeats itself. If we look at the past, the first man that travelled into space left the earth on Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome. Today, the country is at the beginning of a new era of space exploration and a new era of space technology for innovation in business. This MoU will pave the way for effective cooperation with the state. By using the existing infrastructure, we will be able to launch the space industry into the commercial arena. Eurasian Space Ventures can help breathe new life into the country’s space programme, bringing together international partners who have breakthrough technologies and industry knowledge. We can also attract the best minds in science and technology to advance a joint national space programme and engage in pioneering commercial projects.”

Dmitry Zernov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Kazakhstan Garysh Sapary, said, “We are very pleased to have signed this memorandum with ESV. As a result of this, we expect a new stage in the development of Kazakhstan’s space industry through the active involvement of private business. We hope that our partnership will become a strong driver of high-tech production in Kazakhstan and will bring about a new level of international cooperation.”

The Agreement follows ESV’s successful launch, earlier this year, with partners from SpaceChain, of Biteeu, the first space-based cryptocurrency exchange launched onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, and Divine, a community project that leverages space technologies to provide complimentary broadcast of the Quran to anyone looking to understand the Sacred Text of Islam across the world.