Kazakhstan, Russia Team Up for Soyuz-5 and Baiterek Rocket Flight Tests

Kazakhstan and Russia have taken a major step forward in their space partnership - the two nations signed an agreement to create a joint intergovernmental commission that will oversee flight tests of the Soyuz-5 and Baiterek rocket systems.

The signing took place in Moscow after talks between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Russian President Vladimir Putin, The Caspian Post informs via Kazakh media.

The agreement was signed on behalf of Kazakhstan by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of AI and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev.

According to officials, the new commission will coordinate preparations and testing for both rocket systems and push forward the Baiterek project, a key element of long-term space cooperation between the two countries.

A New Chapter at Baikonur

Based at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the Baiterek project has been in the works since an intergovernmental agreement was first signed back in 2004. Its goal: to boost Kazakhstan’s technological and industrial capabilities in the global space arena.

The first rocket for Baiterek arrived at Baikonur by rail on November 11, marking a milestone for the joint venture.

Expanding Strategic Partnership

The agreement comes as part of a wider set of 14 documents signed between Kazakhstan and Russia on November 12, underscoring the deepening strategic ties between the two nations.

During his state visit to Moscow (November 11-12), President Tokayev was welcomed with full honors - from an aerial escort by fighter jets and helicopters to a military band ceremony at Vnukovo Airport. He also laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, met with Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, and joined the 21st Kazakhstan-Russia Interregional Cooperation Forum via videoconference.

Capping the visit, the two leaders signed a Declaration on the Transition of Interstate Relations between Kazakhstan and Russia to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance - signaling a bold new era for bilateral cooperation, both on Earth and in space.