Through Isolation – to the Stars!«Experiment «SANA»: Kazakhstan develops technologies for future space missions»
1.10.25
Today, on October 1, 2025, a unique research project «SANA-1» was launched at the National Space Center in Astana. This marks the first experiment in Kazakhstan involving long-term crew isolation under conditions closely resembling a space flight.
The experiment is being implemented through the joint efforts of the Aerospace Committee of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the company Eurasian Space Ventures, and leading national scientific and educational organizations
The crew of the experiment
A distinctive feature of the project is the participation of an all-female crew, consisting of four employees from organizations under the Aerospace Committee:
- Yuliya Bakirova – Crew Commander, Senior Researcher, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, JSC «National Center Space Research and Technology».
- Asem Kuandyk – Researcher, Laboratory of Thermal Insulation Materials, JSC «National Center of Space Research and Technology».
- Daria Komarova – Lead Engineer, Department of Flight Support and Technical Condition Monitoring of Spacecraft, JSC «Republican Center of Space Communication».
- Linara Zhadygerova – Engineer, Laboratory of Space and Geophysical Research, LLP «Institute of Ionosphere.”
For 10 days, the researchers will stay inside a specially designed ground-based spacecraft simulator module, developed by Eurasian Space Ventures at the initiative of cosmonaut and Hero of Kazakhstan Aidyn Aimbetov.
During the mission, the crew will conduct a series of medical, cognitive, and team-dynamics studies simulating real scenarios of space expeditions, along with various educational experiments. The scientific program is led by Dr. Alina Gutoreva, Assistant Professor and Head of AI Lab at the Kazakh-British Technical University, PhD in Psychology.
Significance for Kazakhstan
The «SANA-1» project has particular importance for the country. For the first time, Kazakhstan is conducting a comprehensive study that integrates psychological, medical, and engineering aspects of human spaceflight. This experiment lays the groundwork for building a national scientific base and training specialists for future space missions.
The project’s goal is not only to advance Kazakhstan’s competencies in space research but also to promote STEM disciplines among youth and expand women’s participation in space science. The all-female «SANA-1» crew symbolizes a new step toward gender equality and demonstrates that Kazakhstan is ready to form its own team of researchers for upcoming space expeditions.
«SANA» is an experiment not only about space, but also about the people who are writing a new page in Kazakhstan’s history.
