Dr. AlMalik: ICESCO’s Satellite Aims to Support Scientific and Environmental Research in the Islamic World

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and JSC NC Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary signed a memorandum of understanding to launch a joint satellite in 2028 bearing the name ICESCO, with the aim of enhancing scientific research in space sciences and developing and implementing related training programs and projects.

The MoU was signed on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, at the company’s headquarters in the capital, Astana, by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, and Mr. Amanat Ombetbayev, Managing Director and Board Member of JSC NC Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary.

Prior to the signing, the two sides held bilateral talks to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in support of advancing space sciences in ICESCO Member States. The discussions underscored the importance of launching a CubeSat satellite named ICESCO, with the participation of a number of partners and supporters, dedicated to scientific and environmental research. The satellite is expected to contribute to monitoring natural disasters and early warning systems, serving countries of the Islamic world and strengthening their capacities to address environmental challenges.

In this context, both sides highlighted the success of the specialized workshop on the design of an educational satellite (CanSat), hosted last year by Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in cooperation with ICESCO, which attracted wide participation and achieved outstanding results.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his appreciation to JSC NC Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary for this fruitful cooperation, reaffirming the Organization’s commitment to supporting high-impact initiatives in space sciences that contribute to sustainable development and serve communities in its Member States.

Following the meeting, Dr. AlMalik toured the Company’s scientific and research facilities, where he visited several specialized laboratories for the design, manufacture, and integration of satellites. He was briefed on the advanced technologies developed by the Kazakh team, reflecting the advanced level Kazakhstan has achieved in this vital field.

JSC NC Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary is a leading national company in space technology, operating in the fields of remote sensing, satellite manufacturing, and the development of advanced space solutions.