Kazakhstan to produce and export remote sensing satellites

Kazakhstan plans to produce 5 to 6 satellites / Photo: Shutterstock, photo editor: Adelina Mamedova

Kazakhstan plans to produce five to six Earth observation satellites in the coming years, according to Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry Zhaslan Madiyev.

«The Ministry of Digital Development operates a manufacturing facility designed for domestic satellite production. Active work is already underway to fully utilize this capacity. In the coming years, at least five to six remote sensing satellites will be produced at this facility, including export contracts valued at $75 million,» Madiyev said.

He noted that this would mark the first time in Kazakhstan’s history that the country exports such technologically advanced products.

The minister also highlighted rapid growth in IT services exports, which are expected to reach $1 billion.

«In recent years, revenue in the IT market has increased sharply. Last year, it was projected to reach 2 trillion tenge ($3.9 billion). The IT sector is one of the highest-paying industries in the country. According to official statistics, IT specialists earn twice the national average salary,» he said.

According to Madiyev, Astana Hub remains a key ecosystem for Kazakhstan’s IT industry. Its membership grew to 2,000 companies last year, of which around 25% are foreign firms.

Addressing Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, the minister added that the country’s first venture fund, established last year with a target capital of $1 billion, has already invested approximately $115 million, enabling Kazakhstani startups to raise up to $10 million each in funding.