The joint Russian-Kazakh project «Baiterek» has reached the final stage of preparation. The first launch of the «Soyuz-5» rocket from the space complex is scheduled for early 2026. This was announced by the Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan, Zhaslan Madiev.
Active preparation is underway, the launch vehicle is already on the territory of Kazakhstan.
The launch of the rocket was supposed to take place in December 2025, but it was postponed. Specialists decided to conduct an additional check of the on-board systems of «Soyuz-5» and elements of the launch complex.
After the completion of autonomous tests, the rocket will be delivered to the launch site for verticalization and final checks. The final launch date will be determined based on the results of all procedures.
«Soyuz-5» is a Russian medium-class launch vehicle developed as part of the «Baiterek» project. It has an increased payload capacity and can put up to 17 tons of payload into low Earth orbit. This is twice as much as its predecessor, the «Soyuz-2» rocket.