Institute of Ionosphere

The Institute of Ionosphere is a national scientific research institution operating under the Aerospace Committee of the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Since its foundation in 1961, the Institute has evolved into a multidisciplinary center focused on ionospheric physics, atmospheric science, geospatial technologies, and environmental monitoring using satellite data.

As part of its water-related activities under the Space4Water initiative, the Institute is developing a digital twin of a glacial moraine lake in southern Kazakhstan. This system integrates multispectral and radar satellite data, UAV-based observations, GNSS measurements, and meteorological inputs to simulate lake volume, ice dynamics, and forecast glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) risks in real time. The model is designed to support early warning systems and local disaster risk reduction in vulnerable mountainous regions.

The Institute is also leading a large-scale project on integrated satellite-based monitoring of oil pollution in the Kazakh sector of the Caspian Sea (2024–2026). The system uses Sentinel-1 SAR imagery, PlanetScope optical data, NDWI indices, and thematic classification to detect and map the spatial distribution of oil slicks. A multi-source satellite database and satellite altimetry (via DAHITI) are combined to analyse hydrodynamic processes. Modeling efforts are being carried out using the MIKE 21 suite, including modules for bathymetry, hydrodynamics (HD), and oil spill transport and dispersion (OS), culminating in coupled simulations (HD+OS) for predictive assessments of marine pollution scenarios. This research supports regional environmental security and contributes directly to SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

Previously completed projects include the multitemporal analysis of Seletiteniz Lake and satellite-based water quality assessment of Lake Balkhash, which provided important baselines for national water monitoring strategies.

The Institute maintains technical assets such as UAVs with LiDAR and thermal sensors, a GNSS station network, a 12-meter solar radio telescope, ground-penetrating radar systems, and an ionosonde network. A national satellite ground receiving station is currently under development to improve access to Earth observation data.

In collaboration with SRON, the University of Twente, OroraTech, Politecnico di Milano, and ISTC, the Institute actively contributes to international research on sustainable water management, disaster resilience, and climate adaptation in Central Asia.