KazSat-3 (space satellite)

History

2025: Decommissioning

Kazakhstan plans to decommission the KazSat-2 satellite at the end of 2026, reducing the national satellite communications constellation to one spacecraft. The decision to restructure was made at the state level as part of the optimization of the satellite infrastructure of the republic. Vasily Leonov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Republican Center for Space Communications JSC, announced this on June 27, 2025.

According to ComNews, by 2027 the size of the national satellite constellation of communications and broadcasting will be reduced to one spacecraft in geostationary orbit - the KazSat-3 satellite. The device KazSat-2 launched into the orbital position 86,5º east longitude in July 2011. Its original active existence expired in 2024, but was extended until the end of 2026.

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Фото: Freepik

JSC "RCKS" decided not to order a new satellite to replace the decommissioned KazSat-2. The grouping operator plans to limit itself to one spacecraft to meet the needs of state television and government agencies. The KazSat-3 satellite was launched in April 2014 and is located in an orbital position 58,5º east longitude.

Vasily Leonov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of RCCC JSC, explained the decision to reduce the grouping by demographic and technological factors. He noted that 20 million people live in Kazakhstan, most of whom are concentrated in cities where satellite communication is not required. The development of fiber optic communication networks also reduces the need for satellite channels.

Foreign satellite operators entering the market will take part of the traditional services market. Vasily Leonov named OneWeb, Starlink and Spacesail among such companies. To meet the needs of state television and government agencies, one satellite in geostationary orbit is enough.

Since 2029, when the KazSat-3 expires its active existence, it will be replaced by the satellite KazSat-3R. The competition for the creation of a new spacecraft will take place in 2-2.5 years. RCCC must announce a tender no later than the beginning of 2027, taking into account the production period of the satellite, which averages 2.5-3^[1]

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