"The Russian Cabinet is considering our draft version," he said to a news conference in Astana, Kazakh capital, today.
"We and Russia will make a unique space centre certainly to be in great demand. The centre will launch heavy, medium and light rockets. Baikonur has no pads of such an extensive range."
The Premier was referring to a globally known space centre in Kazakhstan's south, which Russia is using on a long-term rent.
Baiterek construction costs are estimated at more than US$220 million. The works will start next year, announced Mr. Ahmetov.
Kazakhstan has also scheduled for next year other ambitious space-related endeavours to upgrade the land infrastructure. In particular, it will thoroughly modernise and re-commission a cluster of quantum optic stations in Priozersk, and establish a mission control centre in Alexeyevka close to Astana.
The Priozersk project requires government allocations at 800 million tenge, or $5.9 million. The reborn stations will allow to monitor every satellite that appears above Kazakhstan.
The country has another venture on next year's schedule-it will orbit its first broadcasting and communication satellite on a $65 million project. Russia's Khrunichev government space research-cum-production centre will manufacture the satellite, with a service life of ten to twelve years. The expenditures are expected to recoup within three years. Kazakh government experts say the satellite will allow to implement cutting-edge telecommunication technologies, and facilitate access to the world web. The satellite will help to monitor the Caspian and frontier areas, and vouch for Kazakh information security and independence.
