Name: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan
Address: KZ

Question 1

Where is the Baikonur Cosmodrome?

Accepted Answer

Baikonur Cosmodrome is in Kazakhstan and is the world's first and largest operational spaceport, founded in 1955. Russia's Roscosmos operates it on territory leased from Kazakhstan under an agreement running to 2050.

Question 2

What launches from Baikonur?

Accepted Answer

Baikonur remains a major hub for Russian crewed and uncrewed missions, with Soyuz rockets flying from active pads such as Site 31/6. The historic 'Gagarin's Start' (Site 1/5) has been retired from regular service.

Question 3

Why is Baikonur historically important?

Accepted Answer

Baikonur launched both the first satellite, Sputnik 1 in 1957, and the first human in space, Yuri Gagarin aboard Vostok 1 in 1961 — the two events that opened the Space Age.

Question 4

Can you visit the Baikonur Cosmodrome?

Accepted Answer

Baikonur is a restricted military and space facility in a remote part of Kazakhstan, with no casual public viewing. Visits are possible only through pre-arranged official or specialist tours with advance permits, usually timed around a launch.

Launches from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan

About Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan

Facts

Launch pads

Where to watch

Notable launches

Sputnik 1

Vostok 1

Luna 1

Frequently asked questions

Upcoming Launches

Progress MS-35 (96P)

Progress MS-36 (97P)

Previous Launches

Soyuz MS-29

Demo Flight

Progress MS-34 (95P)

Progress MS-33 (94P)

Elektro-L No.5

Soyuz MS-28

Progress MS-32 (93P)

Bion-M No. 2

Progress MS-31 (92P)

Soyuz MS-27

Progress MS-30 (91P)

Resurs-P No.5