KazNU and Northwestern Polytechnical University Discuss Further Implementation of the NKSAT Project

A delegation from Northwestern Polytechnical University of the People’s Republic of China paid a working visit to Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

The delegation included Huang Yue, Party Secretary of the School of Astronautics at Northwestern Polytechnical University, Professor Zhang Fan, and Associate Professor Guo Yaohua.

As part of the visit, the Chinese colleagues met with KazNU scientists and engineers to discuss the current status and further stages of the joint NKSAT microsatellite development project.

Particular attention was given to the readiness of the microsatellite’s scientific payloads, their technical compatibility with the satellite platform, mechanical and electrical interfaces, power supply parameters, and data exchange requirements.

At present, the main work on the payloads being developed by the Kazakh side has been completed, and the equipment is undergoing final-stage testing. Following the final coordination of the technical interfaces and confirmation of connection parameters, the payloads are planned to be transferred to China for integration with the satellite platform.

Within the framework of the NKSAT project, the Chinese side is responsible for providing the satellite platform, while KazNU is developing the scientific research payloads. The launch of the joint microsatellite is scheduled for the end of 2026.

The project’s scientific programme includes research on the Earth’s gravitational field, testing LoRaWAN technology under space conditions, as well as conducting in-orbit tests of new developments created by scientists and students from both universities.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue coordinating the technical work, complete the alignment of interfaces between the payloads and the satellite platform, and proceed systematically to the next stage of the project—the integration of the equipment.

The implementation of the NKSAT project is aimed at further strengthening Kazakh-Chinese scientific and technological cooperation in the field of space technologies, expanding joint research, and involving young scientists and students in international engineering projects.