Baiterek Space Complex Agreement Must Be Ratified Soon: Minister

LAUNCH PAD

Astana, Kazakhstan (SPX) Oct 06, 2005
Today during the sitting of the Committee for International Affairs, Defense and Security the deputies have studied and recommended to pass the draft law on ratification of the Kazakhstan-Russia Agreement on Creation of Baiterek Space Complex at the spaceport Baikonur.

Minister of Education and Science Byrganym Aitimova reminded the agreement was signed in December, 2004.

The space project Baiterek is to be realized by the joint Russian-Kazakhstan enterprise set up in March, this year. As per the foundation agreement, the new Kazakhstani-Russian enterprise will equally belong to both sides, the headquarters being located in Astana.

"In accordance with the Agreement the Government of Kazakhstan is obliged to allot a budget credit of USD 225 million for the period of 19 years to the Baiterek joint enterprise", the Minister said. "The ratification procedure should be quickened so that these means were laid in the budget of 2006."

The construction of the rocket space complex is designed to be over in four years, the Minister reported.

LAUNCH PAD

Historic Tower At Launch Complex 13 Toppled

Cape Canaveral AFS FL (SPX) Sep 09, 2005
What took years to build took seconds to knock down Aug. 6 when 171 pounds of strategically placed explosives were detonated, toppling the historic 179-foot mobile service tower at Launch Complex 13 here.