Baikonur Cosmodrome
Baikonur Cosmodrome, located in Kazakhstan, is the world's first and largest operational space launch facility. Here are key points about this historic site:
History
- Establishment: The cosmodrome was established on June 2, 1955, initially known as Tyuratam, and was renamed to Baikonur to mislead the West about its true location.
- First Launch: The first launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome occurred on May 15, 1957, when an R-7 Semërka rocket was launched.
- Notable Missions:
Geography and Facilities
- Location: Situated in the Kazakh Steppe, approximately 200 km east of the Aral Sea.
- Area: It covers an area of about 6,717 square kilometers, making it one of the largest space launch facilities in the world.
- Launch Sites: There are several launch pads, including:
Current Use
- Leasing: Russia leases the cosmodrome from Kazakhstan for a significant sum annually, with the agreement extended until 2050.
- Operations: It continues to be the primary launch site for Russian space program activities, including manned spaceflights to the International Space Station (ISS).
- Commercial Launches: Also serves as a launch site for commercial satellite launches.
Challenges and Controversies
- Environmental Impact: The site has been criticized for its environmental impact, particularly due to the disposal of spent rocket stages in the nearby steppe and the Aral Sea.
- Political Issues: The lease agreement has been a source of contention between Russia and Kazakhstan, with discussions about future use and control.
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