KazNU and NWPU will jointly launch a microsatellite
Chairman of the Board - Rector of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Zhanseit Tuimebayev held a meeting with the Director of International Cooperation Department of Northwest Polytechnic University of China, Professor Kong Ji.
The two sides exchanged views and worked out a project to launch a joint microsatellite in late 2025.
The aim of the co-operation is to jointly develop and test payloads of small satellites, create a small constellation of 1 main star (100kg) and 2 secondary stars (6U CubeSat).
Head of KazNU Zhanseit Tuimebaev noted the importance of this project for strengthening international co-operation in the field of space technologies and building scientific capacity of both parties.
The microsatellite launched into space will fulfil three main tasks. In particular, to measure the Earth's gravity and gravity field inversion in orbit, to conduct technical testing of IoST based on the remote LoRaWAN protocol, and to test the onboard intelligent data processing system using COTS devices.
In turn, the guest of honour stressed the significance of the partnership for NWPU and expressed confidence in the successful implementation of the project due to the high level of scientific and engineering competences of both parties. At the end of his speech, Kong Ji presented the rector of KazNU with an accurate model of a 6U nanosatellite, which will be developed and launched for the first time.
As a result of the negotiations, the parties agreed to set up a working group for detailed elaboration of the technical aspects of the project and defined the main stages of its implementation. It was also agreed to hold a joint meeting in the coming months to finalise plans and schedule for the launch of the microsatellite.
The launch of the microsatellite will be an important step in the development of space research and technology in Kazakhstan and China, contributing to the strengthening of scientific ties between the two countries.
Press-service of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
