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.”
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Ghalam LLP was founded as a joint venture AIRBUS DS and JSC NC Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary within the framework of a partnership agreement between Kazakhstan and France in 2010. The joint venture was created in order to create assembly and test complex spacecraft, technological and industrial base for the production of components of spacecraft and their components, as well as for other types of industrial and commercial activities. For more information please visit www.ghalam.kz.
VT iDirect, a subsidiary of VT Systems, is a global leader in IP-based satellite communications providing technology and solutions that enable our partners worldwide to optimize their networks, differentiate their services and profitably expand their businesses. For more than 20 years, the VT iDirect organization has focused on meeting the economic and technology challenges across the satellite industry. Today, the product portfolio, branded under the name iDirect, sets new standards in performance and efficiency, making it possible to deliver voice, video and data connectivity anywhere in the world. VT iDirect is the world’s largest TDMA enterprise VSAT manufacturer and is the leader in key industries including mobility, military/government and cellular backhaul. In 2007, iDirect Government was formed to better serve the U.S. government and defense communities. For more information please visit www.iDirect.net.
VT Systems is an engineering company providing integrated solutions to the commercial and government markets in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors. VT Systems’ innovative solutions, products and services include aircraft maintenance, repair and modification; software solutions in training and simulation; satellite-based IP communications technology; network solutions that integrate data, voice and video; rugged computers and computer peripheral equipment; specialized truck bodies and trailers; weapons and munitions systems; road construction equipment; and ship design and shipbuilding. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., VT Systems operates globally and is a wholly owned subsidiary of ST Engineering. Please visit www.vt-systems.com.
Media contacts:
Julie Bettinger
Vice President, Corporate Marketing
VT iDirect
Phone: (1) 703 648 8155
Email: jbettinger@idirect.net
Kimberly Miles
Manager, Corporate Communications
VT Systems
Phone: (1) 703 855 8331
Email: kmiles@vt-systems.com