On April 30, a historic event took place at the Baikonur Cosmodrome: the first test launch of the prospective medium-lift launch vehicle Soyuz-5/Sunkar was successfully carried out from Site 45 as part of the Baiterek Space Rocket Complex, the Kazakh Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development said.
As part of the flight design tests, both the first and second stages of the rocket performed nominally, and a mass-and-dimension simulator payload was successfully placed onto the target trajectory. This launch confirmed the full operational readiness of this complex engineering facility to expand Kazakhstan’s presence in the global space services market. The Baiterek project represents a strategic achievement, enabling the country to transition to operating its own modern launch infrastructure.
As part of the project, extensive work was carried out to modernize ground infrastructure, including the construction and adaptation of launch, control, fueling, and safety systems.
The implementation of the Baiterek Space Rocket Complex is one of the most technologically complex projects in recent years. A modern facility has been created that fully meets automation and safety requirements. This launch demonstrates that Kazakhstan has developed all the necessary components for full participation in the global space industry, including its own launch infrastructure, national satellite projects, and highly qualified engineering personnel.
The technical capabilities of the Soyuz-5/Sunkar launch vehicle, developed by the Progress Rocket Space Centre, allow it to deliver up to 17 tons of payload into low Earth orbit.
The Baiterek complex and the Soyuz-5/Sunkar launch vehicle represent the future of environmentally friendly spaceflight, using non-toxic propellants such as kerosene and liquid oxygen.
Baiterek Joint Venture JSC is a Kazakh-Russian joint enterprise established to implement the space rocket complex project at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The company is responsible for the development, modernization, and operation of the ground infrastructure for next-generation launch vehicles. The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan in cooperation with Russian partners.
Photo: gov.kz
