Kazakhstani authorities are allegedly exploring alternative solutions to continue launching Proton-M expendable launch vehicles (ELVs), which run on toxic fuel, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome after 2025. According to MP Aidos Sarym, Kazakhstan seeks to secure environmental safety guarantees, while the Russian space agency Roscosmos doubts whether it will continue the launches.
«Over the years, our people have changed as they have become more environmentally conscious. People want safety guarantees as well as clear explanations about what the government plans to do to address potential damage in case of emergency. We can’t discuss any future launches until we get decisive answers to our questions. This is why negotiations are still underway. As far as I’m concerned, Roscosmos is uncertain about whether it will continue its programs as originally planned,» Sarym said.
According to him, Kazakhstan is primarily engaged in negotiations and exploring alternative solutions to continue launches from the spaceport, including projects involving rockets propelled by fuel based on kerosene under the Baiterek program.
«We must also consider Baikonur’s social importance. There is a large town with Kazakhstanis composing half of its population, who are involved in this business one way or another. The potential displacement of tens of thousands of workers, along with their families, would pose a significant challenge for Kazakhstan. Theoretically, this risk always exists, prompting us to explore alternative solutions. While we are pursuing certain projects, we still seek clear guarantees — both for the effective economic utilization of the cosmodrome and for mitigating environmental impacts in case of any emergency,» he added.
Sarym also emphasized that the country must consider not only the environmental, economic and social risks but also the fact that advancements in technology are making space launches increasingly affordable.
«The point is that space programs are becoming more affordable. In the past, only superpowers or state coalitions could afford to invest large amounts of money in this. However, the rise of alternative players in the field proves that it’s possible to send satellites, crews and equipment into orbit at a much lower cost. I believe that our MPs and taxpayers will also begin asking these questions,» Sarym summed up.
Earlier this year, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev stated that he «didn’t see any solutions» for Proton-M launches from Baikonur after 2025.
In April, some media outlets reported that Russia proposed continuing the launches, and at the time, the Ministry of Digital Development considered the proposal profitable. However, Vice Minister Malik Olzhabekov revealed that the agency planned to revise the terms of the agreement.
