Context:
A feature on the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the world’s oldest and largest operational spaceport located in Kazakhstan, leased and operated by Russia, highlights its historical significance, recent accidents, and current operational challenges.
Key Highlights
About Baikonur Cosmodrome
- Located on the Kazakh steppe, Baikonur is the launch site for Russia’s space missions.
- Built in the 1950s as a missile test range; later became the centre of the Soviet space programme.
- Iconic missions launched from Baikonur:
- Sputnik 1 (1957) – the world’s first artificial satellite
- Vostok 1 (1961) – carried Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space
- Numerous missions carrying astronauts, satellites, cargo, and modules.
Infrastructure
- Facilities include:
- Launch pads
- Tracking stations
- Assembly buildings
- Support for Proton rockets, Soyuz boosters, and cargo launches
- Hosts the International Space Station (ISS) launchpad for Soyuz-MS missions.
Kazakhstan–Russia Agreement
- After the fall of the USSR in 1991, the site came under Kazakhstan.
- Kazakhstan leased Baikonur to Russia until 2050, maintaining shared operations.
- Russia is simultaneously developing new launch sites (e.g., Vostochny Cosmodrome) to reduce dependence on Baikonur.
Recent Accidents
- 2018: Soyuz-MS booster failure forced emergency landing of astronauts.
- November 2023: Explosion of an R-16 missile caused major damage (historical reference).
- November 27, 2024: An accident involving a Soyuz-2.1a rocket damaged Site 31/6, suspending crewed launches.
- Structural damage has forced reassessment and repairs for safe future operations.
Relevant Prelims Points
About Baikonur
- World’s first operational spaceport; located in Kazakhstan, operated by Russia.
- Coordinates major launches to ISS.
- Known for R-7 rocket family, core of Soviet–Russian space missions.
Key Missions
- Sputnik series
- Vostok & Voskhod missions
- Soyuz crewed missions
- Progress cargo missions
Key Terms
- Cosmodrome: Russian term for spaceport.
- R-7 Rocket: Origin of modern Soyuz rockets.
- Proton Rocket: Heavy-lift launch vehicle.
Relevant Mains Points
Importance of Baikonur
- Symbol of Cold War space race.
- Strategic asset for Russia’s human spaceflight.
- Continues to play a role in global space logistics.
Challenges
- Ageing infrastructure
- Safety concerns due to accidents
- High geostrategic dependence on Kazakhstan
- Competition from new Russian launch sites
Way Forward
- Modernisation of launch pads
- Strengthening safety protocols
- Collaborative governance with Kazakhstan
- Diversification of Russia’s launch capabilities
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise)
- GS-III: Space technology, international cooperation
- GS-I (History): Cold War space race legacy
- Prelims: Spaceports, missions, rockets