KazEOSat-1 satellite: Kazakhstan's first Earth observation satellite

EADS Airbus Defence and Space Astrium, the world’s second largest space company, is preparing for the launch of KazEOSat-1 (formerly known as DZZ-HR), which is due to lift off on 28 April 2014 into low Sun-synchronous orbit (about 700 km from Earth) on-board a Vega launcher from the European spaceport in Kourou (French Guiana).

Kazakhstan's first Earth observation satellite is to be fired into orbit next week from the European spaceport in Kourou in French Guiana.

The 830-kilogramme (1,829-pound) orbiter will provide Kazakhstan with data for mapmaking and security, monitor changes in nature and agriculture, and provide support for rescue operations in case of natural disaster, it said in a statement.

The satellite, dubbed KazEOSat-1, will take off on a lightweight Vega launcher overnight on Monday, Kourou time.

It will orbit the Earth at about 700 kilometres (435 miles) and remain in service for seven years.


KazEOSat-1 is a 900kg high-resolution satellite. From a low sun-synchronous orbit it will provide the Republic of Kazakhstan with a complete range of civil applications, including monitoring of natural and agricultural resources, provision of mapping data, and support for rescue operations in the event of a natural disaster.