(27 January 2026 | Source: FBRK)
The launch date of the 'Baiterek' space rocket complex has been repeatedly postponed: in 2021, a launch was promised in 2023, then the date was moved to 2025, and in 2025, it was moved to early 2026. The FBRK editorial board decided to ascertain the current status of the project and sent an official request to the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The Baiterek project is a joint Kazakh-Russian initiative to build a modern launch complex at the Baikonur site for Soyuz-2 launch vehicles. The main goal of the project is to modernise space launches and develop Kazakhstan's own space programme.
CURRENT STATUS OF THE PROJECT
According to the department, since February 2025, equipment for the main systems of the technical and launch complexes has been delivered to the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
As equipment arrived, the installation of new systems and repair and restoration work on existing ones was carried out.
In June, upon completion of the repair, restoration and commissioning work, autonomous testing of the space rocket complex's systems and units began.
The technical complex ensured readiness to receive the component parts of the Soyuz-5 launch vehicle, for their reloading, docking, testing and preparation for dispatch to the launch complex.
On 11 November 2025, comprehensive testing of the technical section began. Upon its completion, from the moment the rocket is transported to the launch pad, it is planned to begin testing of the launch complex.
The ministry explained that the testing allows for the confirmation of the stable operation of all systems, ensuring maximum readiness for flight testing and creating conditions for a safe first launch, the exact date of which is to be determined by the Kazakh-Russian Intergovernmental Commission.
FUNDING
The total cost of the project is 90.8 billion tenge, with a completion deadline of 2028. It is reported that to date, work worth 81.3 billion tenge has been completed, which constitutes nearly 90% of the total project budget.
At the same time, no additional costs are required to implement the project, the ministry noted.
INCIDENT AT SITE 31
At the end of November 2025, information appeared in the media about a metal structure collapsing at Site 31 of the Baikonur Cosmodrome. FBRK enquired how this incident could have affected the project's progress.
However, the ministry clarified that Site 31 is not part of the Baiterek facilities and does not affect the implementation of the project.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
It is worth recalling that the timeline for implementing the Baiterek project has been revised several times. According to the Telegram channel PROTENGE, in 2021 the complex's launch was planned for 2023. Later, in 2023, the launch date was moved to 2025. Last year, another postponement was announced, moving it to early 2026.
Despite the fact that more than half of the planned budget has already been spent on the project, its launch is still being delayed, and the final timeline will only become clear after the full testing cycle is completed.