ALMATY. Sept 14 (Interfax-AVN) - Kazakhstan must implement its space program more efficiently by using the facilities of the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakh Defense Minister Danial Akhmetov said.
"I am deeply convinced that outer space is not just needed but is extremely necessary for Kazakhstan. And developing any space sector means Kazakhstan can break into a new innovative space," Akhmetov said at a briefing in Almaty on Friday.
"I believe that there should not be two opinions. Kazakhstan, which owns such a great asset - the cosmodrome - should continue its space program faster and more efficiently," the minister said.
The cosmodrome gives Kazakhstan "a clear priority in the development of outer space," Akhmetov said. "It is a wonderful opportunity to create a space platform, to create a space industry and become one of the countries that are not only in possession of the infrastructure, but are also capable to launch their own satellites and other spacecrafts," he added.
Asked whether Kazakhstan will be using the Baikonur Cosmodrome for military purposes, Akhmetov said that, "again, it is a matter of the budget and new military technologies."
Russia has leased the Baikonur Cosmodrome from Kazakhstan since 1994. The lease term runs until 2050, according to the latest arrangements.