[FPSPACE] Kazakhstan update

[PeterRBond at aol.com]

Dear All,
 
FYI, below is a recent press release detailing some developments in  
Kazakhstan.
 
Peter Bond
 
Kazakhstan Projects Major Developments for its Space Program
ASTANA,  Kazakhstan, November 30, 2005 -- It is through Kazakhstan's Prime 
Minister,  Danial Akhmetov, during a visit to the Energia Rocket and Space 
Corporation at  Korolev near Moscow last week, that the Republic announced its 
further plans  within its Space Industry Development Programme 2005-2007.
Beyond the  expected launch of Kazakhstan's first satellite, the KazSat 
communication  satellite, which is to be launched in late December from Baikonur, a 
second  satellite is to be launched within two years. This will be the start 
of the  country's satellite network. "At the present time, we are working on 
creating a  constellation of satellites," commented Prime Minister Akhmetov.
While  the KazSat was constructed by the Krunichev Space Centre, a 
constructor for the  country's second satellite has yet to be announced. Nevertheless, 
the Prime  Minister did suggest that Kazakhstan could order this satellite from 
Energia:  "Everything will depend on the competitive abilities of Energia, 
about which we  have no doubts. We wish to diversify our suppliers of space  
products."
Another promising project is the Ishim satellite launching  system which is 
being developed by Kazakhstan in cooperation with the Moscow  Institute of 
Thermal Engineering. Unlike costly conventional launch complexes,  the Ishim 
system will use a modified missile launched from a Mig-31 fighter jet.  This system 
will be perfect for launching small payloads of up to 160 Kg.  Moreover, the 
Government of Kazakhstan has instructed KazCosmos and KazMunaiGas  to study 
the possibilities of using such small satellites for geological  prospecting as 
well as for monitoring pipelines.
According to the Prime  Minister, long-term projects for Kazakhstan's space 
program include  participating in the development of the "Kliper" spacecraft 
which is to replace  Soyuz as well as the development of the Baiterek rocket 
launching complex. The  Republic is planning a participation in the International 
Space Station. In 2008  it is planned to launch a new multi-purpose 
laboratory unit. Kazakhstan is also  considering participating in the development of 
nuclear propulsion for space  vehicles.
Media contact:
Ivan Pandev Marston-Nicholson 18 rue Duphot 75001  Paris France 
+33-(0)1-42-96-46-00
Source: Government of  Kazakhstan