The first launch of the Soyuz-5/Sunkar rocket from the Baiterek launch complex is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev announced.

Speaking at a year-end press briefing, Madiyev noted that active modernization work is currently underway at the Baikonur Cosmodrome to prepare the launch site for the mission, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kazakh media.

He emphasized that Baiterek is Kazakhstan’s own launch complex, designed to deploy medium- to heavy-class launch vehicles. According to the minister, preparations are now in an advanced phase, and the rocket has already arrived on Kazakh territory.

Madiyev added that the first test launch is expected to be carried out in the first quarter of next year.

Baiterek is a joint venture between Kazcosmos and Roscosmos. At present, nearly all launch preparation work has been completed. At this stage, autonomous testing of technological systems is underway, with comprehensive autonomous tests planned next.