Kazakhstan has own space exploration course :Talgat Musabayev

ASTANA. April 13. KAZINFORM /Sara Kabikyzy/ In connection with the World Day of Aviation and Space, famous space pilot, Hero of the People of Kazakhstan, Hero of Russia, Lieutenant General of Aviation, Chairman of the National Space Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan Talgat Musabayev gave an interview to Kazinform.

Talgat Amangeldievich, a week ago you were on a working trip to Israel, what are your impressions of this ancient country? Being in space, I would thousand times fly over Israel but I stepped on this sacred land for the first time. Impressions are very good; this small and wonderful country strives to build spiritual riches, a better life for people. I am satisfied with the results of negotiations with the space industry professionals, and thankful to President of Israel, Shimon Peres, for the warm welcome. We have found common ground in matters of space cooperation with Israeli specialists, and their vast experience in developing satellite systems is very important to us. As to the land of promise, Jerusalem causes a sensation of spiritual recovery, similar to space. Among the most surprising stories of Jerusalem, we heard one, related to April 12. It turns out that on this day, once every 7 years, the notes left by people in the Western Wall, are brought to the temple, where the rabbi reads the written appeals and asks God for all of them. As you see, it is the very Day of Cosmonautics when Divine Office takes earthians? requests. Yes, indeed, such a coincidence! And what is your dream today, Talgat Amangeldievich? Certainly, much has been done, I have achieved my dream and became a cosmonaut; I had almost a whole year to work in space in three international expeditions; I was the first to deploy the Kazakh flag on orbit; opened the era of space tourism and got all the deserved awards. Indeed,I could afford to resign. But I, after the active flight service, returned to Kazakhstan, and do my best for my homeland. The main challenge facing me as the head of Kazkosmos is creating a full-fledged space industry. This is a very complicated process, designed for many years, and the work has started. What do we have today? First of all, a unique cosmodrome Baikonur, which is located on the territory of Kazakhstan, we can say there is a detachment of two flying astronauts and the two would-be astronauts, we have a serious scientific background for space researches. Now we must create our own ground and space infrastructure, to foster experts in order to begin production of spacecrafts, launch vehicles and other space products. By the way, on April 11, you were appointed the head of Kazkosmos. What are the main achievements of the Kazakh Space Agency? Indeed, by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 27 March, 2007 ?On establishment of the National Space Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan?, Kazkosmos began its activity as the youngest central executive body of the country, that would carry out government?s regulation and cross-sectoral coordination in the field of space activities. And on 11 April 2007, by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, I was appointed chairman of the National Space Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In the two years of its existence Kazkosmos with the full support of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Republic consistently implements projects that contribute to our country's joining the club of space powers. During a recent reception, Nursultan Abishevich has given instructions on development of space industry, which is to be strategically important, high-tech and knowledge-intensive sector of our economy. Efforts of Kazkosmos and its branches are focused on six main tasks. This is creation of space communications and KazSat broadcasting, which consists of three geostationary satellites and ground-based broadcasting and satellite control, construction of space rocket complex Baiterek based on the launcher Angara which will provide a full range of services to launching spacecrafts from the cosmodrome Baikonur?. We will use expertise and technology of our strategic partner in a leading European space company EADS Astrium. Our task is also to establish the National system of space monitoring of the Republic of Kazakhstan providing the development of basic infrastructure of the National Space Research and Technology Center, create thematic sub-systems to benefit different sectors of our economy, create space remote sensing of Kazakhstan, introduce a system of training, retraining and skills development ? In 2009, we have developed the basic documents for Kazkosmos activities, i.e. ?Strategic Plan for the National Space Agency in 2009-2011?. Talgat Amangeldievich, how are you going to celebrate your professional holiday? It is Sunday, and I think that I will be able to congratulate all my friends and colleagues. I will try to contact with Yuri Lonchakov, who recently returned from orbit. Jura is our brother; he was born and raised in Kazakhstan, was the commander of astronauts? detachment in Star town. By the way, he phoned me from the station and greeted with the Independence Day of Kazakhstan. On the eve of a Day of Space, we will hold a festive occasion in the National Space Agency. On this day, new comers to our Agency make oath of a public servant. Another traditional event is our mini-football tournament. The teams from Almaty and Baykonyr usually come to compete. On this occasion, I congratulate space professionals, our Kazakh cosmonaut Toktar Aubakirov. Particularly, I wish to convey good wishes and words of gratitude to the man who was the first to pave Kazakhstan?s way to space - President Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev. Thank you for the interview. On behalf of the agency Kazinform let me congratulate you on your professional holiday and wish you new successes in space development.