Test cosmonaut Mukhtar Rabatovich Aimakhanov has been appointed Advisor to the President of Astana International University.

On September 19, 2025, test cosmonaut Mukhtar Rabatovich Aimakhanov was appointed Advisor to the President of Astana International University. His appointment is related to the implementation of the university's strategic initiatives in engineering, space research, and the launch of the university satellite.

Mukhtar Aimakhanov graduated from the Chernihiv Higher Military Aviation School in 1988 with a degree in pilot engineering and served in the Air Force. In the 2000s, he worked extensively in the financial sector and also earned a law degree.

Since 2003, he has trained at the Yury Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, where he received the qualification of test cosmonaut in 2005. For over ten years, he has been involved in space training, participating in specialized training and scientific projects, including the International Space Station flight program.

Since 2022, he has continued working in cosmonaut training and scientific activities.

Mukhtar Rabatović's arrival at AIU marks an important step in the university's development and the formation of new areas in engineering and space technology. His experience and knowledge will contribute to the training of future scientific specialists and the strengthening of the university's research potential, particularly in the work of the Industry 4.0 R&D Center—an AIU division tasked with conducting scientific research, developing innovative solutions, and training personnel in key areas of Industry 4.0, as well as developing projects for the creation of a constellation of pico- and nanosatellites, the use of digital twins, artificial intelligence, and additive manufacturing.

Mukhtar Rabatović's experience in aviation and astronautics will enable the university to strengthen these initiatives, give new impetus to engineering research, and strengthen international cooperation in space and high technology.