Accessibility links

Breaking News

Russia Hands Over Satellite To Kazakhstan


A rocket carrying the KazSat-1 satellite launches in Kazakhstan in June (AFP) PRAGUE, October 18, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- Russia has handed over control of the KazSat-1 communications satellite and its ground control station to Kazakhstan.


A statement posted on the website of Roskosmos, Russia's state space agency, says the transfer went into effect on October 17.


The Russian-built KazSat-1 is Kazakhstan's first-ever geostationary communications satellite. It was put into orbit on June 18 by a Russian launcher.


Russia's state-owned Khrunichev space research center, which built KazSat-1, last month won a tender to develop a second Kazakh communications satellite.


KazSat-2 is expected to cost twice as mush as KazSat-1. It is due to be launched in 2009.


(roscosmos.ru, Central Newsroom)

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG