ASTANA – Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have signed a framework agreement to expand cooperation in the space industry, with Kazakhstan completing the assembly of the engineering model of the OTS-SAT satellite and planning its launch in 2027.
Representatives of Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan sign a framework agreement on space industry cooperation within the OTS in Antalya. Photo credit: Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development.
The agreement was signed in Antalya on the sidelines of the 77th International Astronautical Congress, which runs from Oct. 5 to 9, and establishes a framework for cooperation in space technologies, satellite development, scientific research, industrial cooperation and specialist training within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).
The agreement gives the four countries a basis for developing joint space initiatives and expanding technological and industrial cooperation.
OTS-SAT to become first practical space project
The OTS-SAT project is a 12U satellite being developed by Kazakhstan’s Ghalam company in Astana as part of cooperation among OTS member states. The engineering model of the satellite has now been assembled in Astana, while the launch is planned for 2027.
The project is designed to demonstrate technologies in orbit and test new technical solutions for satellite subsystems in the space environment. It also combines spacecraft development, operational management and regional cooperation among participating countries.
OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev welcomed the signing of the framework agreement, saying it demonstrates the organization’s commitment to scientific, technological and industrial cooperation across the Turkic world.
According to Omuraliev, the agreement creates an institutional foundation for new joint space initiatives and allows the experience gained through OTS-SAT to be used for broader cooperation.
Earlier, Kazakh Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev expressed confidence that the successful implementation of OTS-SAT would become the first practical space project of the OTS, strengthen technological partnerships among Turkic states and create new opportunities for joint space initiatives.
Space cooperation expands beyond satellite development
The new framework covers a broader range of cooperation, including space technologies, scientific research, industrial collaboration and training of specialists. For Kazakhstan, the agreement provides an opportunity to expand cooperation with OTS partners while developing domestic scientific, technological and manufacturing capabilities in the space sector.
The Aerospace Committee described the agreement as an important step toward strengthening international space cooperation and developing the shared scientific, technological and industrial potential of OTS member states.
