Kazakhstan: First Earth Observation satellite in orbit

On 29 April 2014, Kazakhstan's first Earth Observation satellite, KazEOSat-1, was launched with the third Vega launcher from the Guiana Space Center. In a press release launch services operator Arianespace stated: "KazEOSat-1 (DZZ-HR) is a high-resolution optical observation satellite that weighed 830 kg at launch. It will provide Kazakhstan with a wide range of civilian applications, including monitoring of natural and agricultural resources, mapping data and support for search & rescue operations during natural disasters."

Arianespace Chairman and CEO, Stéphane Israël, said: "I would like to congratulate and thank the Kazakhstan space agency, KazCosmos, whose ambitious space program makes a huge step forward today with the launch of the country's first Earth observation satellite."