Kazakhstan, NASA sign agreement on Baikonur space cooperation
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Kazakhstan and NASA signed a cooperation agreement at the Baikonur Cosmodrome on July 13, 2026, formalizing joint space activities. The deal covers technology sharing and potential crewed missions, marking a shift from Russia-centric partnerships.
The Agreement
The memorandum of understanding was signed by Kazakh Space Agency head Marat Nurguzhin and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson during a ceremony at Baikonur. The deal includes provisions for joint research, crew transport, and use of Baikonur facilities for NASA missions. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Strategic Shift
The partnership reduces Kazakhstan's reliance on Russia's Roscosmos, which has leased Baikonur since 1994. Russia currently pays $115 million annually for the lease, set to expire in 2050. The NASA deal could diversify launch options and attract Western investment to the cosmodrome.
What's Next
A joint working group will meet in October 2026 to outline specific projects. It remains unclear how Russia will respond to the agreement, given its long-term lease and geopolitical tensions.
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Kazakhstan, NASA sign agreement on Baikonur space cooperation
