The Man Who Saw the Earth from Space: A Meeting with Aidyn Aimbetov Took Place at Kozybayev University

Students of Kozybayev University had a unique opportunity to meet the People’s Hero of the Republic of Kazakhstan, pilot-cosmonaut, and Major General of Aviation Aidyn Akanovich Aimbetov.

The event was also attended by Ruslan Alishev, Head of the Office of the Akim of the North Kazakhstan Region, and Anatoly Bashmakov, member of the Board of Directors of Kozybayev University.

A special atmosphere filled the hall. For the young audience, this was not simply a lecture or an official meeting - standing before them was a man whose name is forever inscribed in the history of independent Kazakhstan. A man who proved that even the boldest dreams can become reality through hard work, discipline, and belief in one’s goal.

Aidyn Akanovich is the first cosmonaut of independent Kazakhstan to fly to the International Space Station. In 2015, he took part in the mission aboard the Soyuz TMA-18M spacecraft. He spent nearly ten days in space, conducting scientific experiments and representing Kazakhstan at the international level. Today, Aidyn Aimbetov serves as Chairman of the Executive Board of the Baiterek Joint Venture JSC, continuing to contribute to the development of the national space industry.

During the meeting, the cosmonaut spoke to students about his life journey, the childhood dream that once led him to the stars, the demanding training process, the challenges, and the responsibility carried by a person traveling into space. Students showed great interest in asking questions about the future of Kazakhstan’s space exploration, scientific research prospects, and the development of space technologies in the country.

The students were especially impressed by Aidyn Akanovich’s memories of his flight to the International Space Station.

“When you look at the Earth from space, you see a sphere surrounded by darkness, emptiness, and vacuum. There is no such black color on Earth - it simply does not exist here. Earth is our common home. When I was aboard the ISS, there were representatives of six countries there. We lived as one family,” shared Aidyn Aimbetov.

He also emphasized that Kazakhstan today is among the world’s spacefaring nations. It is on Kazakh land that the legendary Baikonur Cosmodrome is located - the place from which humanity first ventured into space. Modern space projects continue to develop there, future technologies are being created, and space equipment is being tested.

“Today Kazakhstan is among the seven spacefaring nations. We have an assembly and engineering complex where space technology is designed and tested. I invite young people who want to become involved in the space industry to work with us at the Baiterek enterprise,” noted Aidyn Akanovich.

For the students, the meeting became a powerful source of motivation and a vivid example of how professionalism, perseverance, and dedication help achieve outstanding results. Many noted that the stories they heard made them look at their own goals and opportunities in a completely new way.

The event was made even more solemn by the award ceremony. For the first time in the university’s history, students who demonstrated exceptional achievements in academics, science, and public life received Aidyn Aimbetov honorary scholarships. University staff members were also presented with letters of appreciation by the People’s Hero of Kazakhstan.

Another symbolic moment was the planting of a commemorative spruce tree by Aidyn Aimbetov in the alley near the university’s educational and laboratory building. The young tree became a symbol of continuity between generations, aspiration for growth, development, and the conquest of new heights.

Kazakhstan holds a special place in the history of global space exploration. It was from Baikonur that the era of space exploration began, and today our country continues to strengthen its position in this strategically important industry. It is especially significant that modern youth have the opportunity not only to read about heroes in books, but also to personally communicate with people whose achievements glorify Kazakhstan around the world.

Such meetings inspire students to dream bigger, believe in their own abilities, and strive for knowledge. It is through communication with outstanding individuals that a generation capable of advancing science, society, and the future of independent Kazakhstan is formed.