Collaboration to explore the development of cost-effective technologies that bridge the digital divide in the region.
Herndon, Va., 29 January 2018 – VT iDirect, Inc. (VT iDirect), a company of Vision Technologies Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), today announced that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ghalam LLP, a Kazakhstan Airbus Defence and Space joint venture, to explore the development of next-generation ground technologies to support initiatives that bridge the digital divide in the region, particularly the Kazakhstan-2050 Strategy and “Digital Kazakhstan” government programme. VT iDirect’s technical expertise will support Ghalam LLP in developing technologies to tackle digital divide issues, and provide connectivity to the populace in a cost-effective manner. The collaboration will also provide access to the latest, highest performing, and most efficient DVB-S2X technology in the market.
Ghalam LLP is an operator of the most advanced Spacecraft Assembling and Integration Test Complex (SBIK) in the Commonwealth of Independent States. It designs and manufactures different space craft, satellite and ground segment components for space and other high-tech industries. Engineers and staff of Ghalam LLP are certified according to European standards and trained at leading aerospace companies.
“Our partnership with VT iDirect will enable us to expand on the digitalisation of Kazakhstan and become a known hub of technology in the world,” said Aibergen Ruslanuly, General Director, Ghalam. “iDirect’s reputation in the satellite industry and next-generation equipment enables us to showcase a strong cooperation between Ghalam and VT iDirect.”
Kazakhstan’s President had laid out concrete plans in the “Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy”, calling for Kazakhstan to be among the top 30 global economies by 2050. Part of its initiative includes the creation of new sources of expertise and economic growth. With that in mind, Ghalam LLP formed a state-of-the-art laboratory and testing facility at the National Space Centre, where their engineers will work alongside global technological leaders to manufacture satellite and ground segment equipment, and test space technologies.
“We are excited about the prospect of working with Ghalam LLP and the Kazakhstan government to contribute to the development of next-generation ground infrastructure technologies,” said Kevin Steen, President & CEO, VT iDirect. “We look forward to leveraging Ghalam’s state-of-the-art facilities, as well as the opportunity to contribute our capabilities, as we work alongside the brightest engineers in the industry to explore and develop new technologies.”