Cosmodrome “Baikonur”

Baikonur Cosmodrome is a unique complex, consisting of complicated technical installations, it is the first and the world’s largest spaceport, which having an international importance. Spaceport is located on the territory of Kazakhstan, near the village of Tyuratam in Kyzylorda region. The word “Baikonur” knows to almost everyone on earth. Baikonur Cosmodrome is a source of pride all Kazakhs. Baikonur in Kazakh language means fertile land. Baikonur Cosmodrome became a symbol of the space age, the symbol of a new era in the history of the Earth.

Beginning of construction “Baikonur” was launched February 12, 1955 and was completely finished in 1957. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, the Baikonur Cosmodrome came under the ownership to Kazakhstan and now Russia have a contract about rent until 2050. This place has become historically valuable for the whole planet, here was decided the fate of our civilization. Baikonur Cosmodrome is a unique scientific, technological and social complex. During the 50 years of its existence, the Baikonur Cosmodrome became the largest in the world. From the Baikonur were launched the first world artificial Earth satellite (October 4, 1957) and the first world artificial satellite of the Sun, Moon and Venus.

May 15, 1957, with the first launch pad at Baikonur was started the first launch of an intercontinental missile R-7. The most important date of the Space Age – April 12, 1961 9:00. 07 min. – Day of the flight of the first man – Yuri Gagarin into space. It was the beginning of an era of direct penetration into space. The first manned spaceship “Vostok” with the first cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin on board made one orbit around the planet and safely delivered astronaut back on Earth.

The most important role cosmodrome “Baikonur” played in the project “MIR.” In the project, “MIR” participated about 220 companies and 80 research institutions. The station “Mir” was visited by 104 people, among them – 62 foreigner. Conducted more than 30,000 experiments in space, related to medicine, biology, engineering and astrophysics.

“Baikonur” Cosmodrome used in international programs, which involve different states.

Plans for cooperation with the international community in creating and using the International Space Station are calculated on “Baikonur” cosmodrome.

Since 1992 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome was suspended extensive activity. Spaceport and the city almost deserted. Since 1994, Russia has renewed its space program at Baikonur, concluding an agreement with Kazakhstan to Baikonur exploitation for 20 years, followed by a continuation of the agreement. Thanks to this, city and the cosmodrome continue to live and grow. Today Baikonur Cosmodrome – Russian island in the vast territory of Kazakhstan. On Baikonur conducted much research and committed national economic launches.

Now the tourists have a unique opportunity to make a tour in the manned and unmanned spacecraft launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. During the tour, visitors will make a tour of the spaceport, an excursion to the “Gagarin’s Start”, the legendary launch pad, visit the Museum of the History of Cosmonautics, and much more.