Latest news with #Vostok1
Euronews
3 days ago
- Euronews
Kazakhstan plans stellar stays at historic space sites
While Russia continues to lease Baikonur Cosmodrome, it has so far returned over fifty decommissioned facilities to Kazakhstan. The government now plans to use them to create a vibrant tourism ecosystem, drawing visitors year-round, and not just for rocket launches. It is planning to develop visitor infrastructure around iconic sites such as Gagarin's launchpad — the oldest and most famous launch pad at Baikonur, where the world's first human spaceflight was made by Yuri Gagarin on Vostok 1 in 1961 — with immersive experiences, hotels, glamping facilities, and a children's camp. The government has handed oversight of Gagarin's decommissioned launchpad to its national aerospace committee company, which will now be handling funding, maintenance, and general management, paving the way for tourism development. Russia finalised the transfer of the site to Kazakhstan in June. 'In the future, the Kazakh side can turn it into a tourist site — a place where visitors can come, explore, and connect with the history of the very launchpad from which the first human journeyed into space, from Kazakh soil,' says the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan at the Baikonur Complex, Kairat Nurtay. 'A powerful source of inspiration' The tourism concept for Baikonur is set to be approved in September, and the first step will involve inspecting decommissioned facilities for safety. To preserve its cosmic heritage, iconic sites will be reconstructed as part of an open-air museum. This includes Gagarin's launchpad and the Assembly and Fueling Complex — once used for the final preparation of the powerful Energia rocket and Buran shuttle, a spaceplane designed as a response to the US Space Shuttle programme. Plans also include building essential infrastructure such as hotels, glamping areas, visitor centres with retail zones, restaurants, and a children's camp. 'Space is, above all, a dream for humanity — a dream to explore galaxies and discover new planets," says the Chairman of the Aerospace Committee, Baubek Oralmagambetov. "This kind of tourism is a powerful source of inspiration, especially for children. It helps them learn the history of space exploration, become motivated by its achievements, and strive to study harder and set higher goals.' Witnessing rocket launches from a yurt Last year, Kazakhstan installed a metal-structured yurt at a viewing platform near Baikonur's 31st launch pad, offering tourists a chance to watch rocket launches up close. So far this year, visitors have witnessed three launches, with three more scheduled before December. The most recent was a Russian cargo mission. A Soyuz rocket lifted off at 12:32am on 4 July, carrying the unmanned Progress 92 spacecraft with nearly three tonnes of food, fuel, and supplies for the International Space Station. It docked with the Poisk module the following day. Authorities estimate that with expanded lodgings, Baikonur could welcome up to 50,000 visitors a year by 2029 — a fivefold jump from current figures. 'At the moment, we are developing four areas of ground-based space tourism. The first is educational tours. The second is cultural and discovery-based tours. The third focuses on event-driven tourism. And the fourth includes adventure and active tours — possibly in the form of large-scale road trips like drive forums, and so on," says said Chief Manager of the Management Board Chairman's Office at Kazakh Tourism, Leila Bakytova. "As for MICE [ed. Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions] tourism, there are many exciting event formats around the world that could be brought here.' Experts say the potential is just beginning to be tapped, with ideas for interactive exhibits and hands-on simulations. 'It would be amazing if people could witness a rocket launch with their own eyes — to feel, even for a moment, like Korolev himself, giving the command to launch. Thanks to new technologies, visitors could simulate the experience of launching a rocket from the control centre," explains museum expert Rinat Kutdussov. "Even if it's on screens or in virtual form, they could still take part — immersed in the soundscape, surrounded by multimedia effects, perhaps even observing astronauts, robots, or mission teams at work. "The idea is to make them feel like part of the crew.' Tourism and Kazakhstan's space ambitions go hand in hand Baikonur's growing tourism ambitions align with Kazakhstan's broader space strategy. One of its key goals is to commercialise Soyuz rocket launches by 2028 using upgraded local infrastructure, as part of the Russian-Kazakh Baiterek project. 'The first test flight will take place at the end of this year,' says Oralmagambetov. 'The second and third test launches are planned for 2026 and 2027, followed by commercialisation in 2028. Both foreign and Kazakh customers will be able to send their space cargo.' Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has confirmed that construction of the Baiterek Space Rocket Complex and development of the Soyuz-5 rocket remain on schedule. According to Roscosmos, the rocket will launch from Baikonur in December this year. For now, rocket launches remain Baikonur's main tourist attraction. Officials say the transformation is only beginning — but it's designed to inspire everyone, from curious schoolchildren to lifelong space enthusiasts.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Trump honors space explortation on National Astronaut Day
May 5 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Monday celebrated National Astronaut Day on the 64th anniversary of Alan Shepard becoming the first American to go into space. On May 5, 1961, Shepard's Freedom 7 capsule reached an altitude of 116.5 miles in a suborbit for 15 minutes. One month earlier on April 12, 1961, cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin from the Soviet Union was the first human in space when he orbited Earth at an altitude of 187 miles aboard Vostok 1. "Sixty-four years ago today, a brave American sat in the cockpit of the Mercury rocket, ready to face the unknown," Trump wrote in a message. " After years of scientific advancement and growing competition in space exploration, Commander Alan B. Shepard undertook a dangerous mission that held the promise of groundbreaking achievement, national pride, and a future defined by American leadership in space. "With three simple words -- "light this candle" -- Shepard launched into the vast expanse of space, becoming the first American to break the bounds of Earth. His spacecraft, Freedom 7, was a tribute to the seven Project Mercury astronauts, and to one of our Nation's founding principles: freedom. " Trump also noted other achievements. "Just 8 years later, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin planted the Stars and Stripes on the Moon," Trump wrote about the world's first moon landing on July 20, 1969. And last month, "we saw the same strength again when I ordered the rescue of stranded astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, whose 8-day mission turned into a 286-day journey aboard the International Space Station," Trump wrote. "It was the vitality of our Nation's space programs that rose to the challenge and brought them safely home." Boeing sent those two astronauts into space and they returned on a SpaceX mission after NASA and Boeing scrapped their return aboard the capsule. Through November, NASA said there are 47 active astronauts, 12 management astronauts, and 332 former astronauts or payload specialists, including those who have left NASA and those who are dead. A total of 12 U.S. astronauts have walked on the moon through the Apollo program, including Shepard. From 1968 to 1972, another 12 flew to the moon but didn't land on the lunar surface. SpaceX has sent 60 people into space, including 45 on NASA missions and 15 on commercial ones. This includes sending personnel to the International Space Station. In 2021, the Federal Aviation Administration listed an astronaut as employed by an FAA-certified company performing the launch, reached an altitude higher than 50 miles above Earth and demonstrated activities "essential to public safety, or contributed to human space flight safety." That means individuals who purchased seats on commercial flights, including Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin or Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic, may not be considered astronauts by the U.S. government. Trump said he is committed to space exploration. "As we celebrate National Astronaut Day, we honor the legacy of those who have blazed the trail into the final frontier," he wrote. "Under my leadership, America's space program will continue to push the boundaries of discoveries, with bold plans for lunar missions, Mars exploration, and beyond. By fostering innovation, strengthening our partnerships with private space companies, and advancing our technological capabilities, we are ensuring that the United States remains the global leader in space for generations to come." In a proposed federal budget released last week, Trump plans to cut 24.3%, $6 billion, from NASA, including allocating $1 billion to Mars-focused initiatives. NASA's fiscal 2024 budget was $24.8 billion in contrast to the $18.8 billion proposed. U.S. Congress needs to approve the budget. More than $7 billion has been allocated for moon exploration. NASA's new funding focuses on "beating China back to the Moon and on putting the first human on Mars," according to the budget report.
Express Tribune
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Elon Musk praised by Putin, likened to iconic Soviet engineer Korolev
Listen to article Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Elon Musk on Wednesday, telling university students he was a pioneer comparable to legendary Soviet rocket engineer Sergei Korolev. The comments came as Russia and the United States forged closer ties under President Donald Trump's administration, of which billionaire SpaceX founder Musk is a key figure. 'You know, there's a man – he lives in the States – Musk, who, you could say, raves about Mars,' Putin told students on a visit to Bauman University, a Moscow college that specialises in science and engineering. 'These are the kind of people who don't often appear in the human population, charged-up with a certain idea.' 'If it seems incredible even today, such ideas often come to fruition after a while. Just like the ideas of Korolev, our pioneers, came about in due time,' Putin added. Korolev is considered the father of the Soviet space programme, developing the first satellite Sputnik as well as Vostok 1, which carried first cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin into orbit in 1961. Musk, the world's richest man and Trump's most powerful advisor, is the head of SpaceX – a US company that launches rockets for NASA and owns the Starlink satellite internet network. Musk has been a frequent critic of Ukraine, which is currently battling a three-year Russian offensive. The billionaire accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last month of wanting a 'forever war', and in February said Kyiv had gone 'too far' in the conflict.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Putin praises Musk, compares him to Soviet space hero
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Elon Musk on Wednesday, telling university students he was a pioneer comparable to legendary Soviet rocket engineer Sergei Korolev. The comments came as Russia and the United States forged closer ties under President Donald Trump's administration, of which billionaire SpaceX founder Musk is a key figure. "You know, there's a man -- he lives in the States -- Musk, who, you could say, raves about Mars," Putin told students on a visit to Bauman University, a Moscow college that specialises in science and engineering. "These are the kind of people who don't often appear in the human population, charged-up with a certain idea." "If it seems incredible even today, such ideas often come to fruition after a while. Just like the ideas of Korolev, our pioneers, came about in due time," Putin added. Korolev is considered the father of the Soviet space programme, developing the first satellite Sputnik as well as Vostok 1, which carried first cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin into orbit in 1961. Musk, the world's richest man and Trump's most powerful advisor, is the head of SpaceX -- a US company that launches rockets for NASA and owns the Starlink satellite internet network. Musk has been a frequent critic of Ukraine, which is currently battling a three-year Russian offensive. The billionaire accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last month of wanting a "forever war", and in February said Kyiv had gone "too far" in the conflict. bur/rmb
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Why people claim Yuri Gagarin wasn't the first man in space – and why they're wrong
There's nothing dumber than a technicality, especially when people are putting their lives on the line to do something incredible. If there's ever a clearer illustration of the critics against Theodore Roosevelt's 'man in the arena,' it's Soviet space pioneer Yuri Gagarin and the naysayers who believe he wasn't the first human to break the surly bonds of Earth. On April 12, 1961, after saying the epic line, 'Poyekhali!' ('let's go!') Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin blasted off from Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Vostok 1 capsule, notching a win for the Soviet Union during the Space Race and a huge victory for humanity. Even if it didn't seem that way at the time, the world would never be the same. His flight would last just 108 minutes, and he would experience weightlessness and get a look at the planet. It would make Gagarin an international celebrity and truly be one for the record books. With all this information in mind, we know definitively that Gagarin was the first man in space. But it's the record books that have doubters keeping the bizarre technicality that dogged the achievement for more than six decades. It was the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI – or International Air Sports Federation in English), the governing body for all aeronautical records. Founded in 1905, the nonprofit FAI doesn't belong to any government and exists to certify and register world records, as well as arbitrate any disputes over those records. Manned spaceflight didn't exist when the FAI was founded in 1905. Some scientists still believed that space was filled with an invisible medium that carried light from the sun to Earth. There was no term for a galaxy, and some believed what we see as galaxies were just nebulae, part of the Milky Way – and that the Milky Way was the known universe. So the idea of going to space in 1905 was a little absurd. Fast-forward a few decades, and it's suddenly an issue the FAI has to contend with. The Soviet Union and the United States were making incredible strides toward manned spaceflight, so it became clear that records were about to be set and broken. The FAI was respected by both countries and thus became the one who would certify any achievements made by either side in the Space Race. The FAI apparently decided to make it easy on themselves and rolled a number of rules and stipulations from air travel to space travel, and this is where some people get stuck on Yuri Gagarin. The FAI's rules for manned spaceflights stated that, just like the aircraft pilots had to land inside their craft in order for the record to be valid, space pilots would also have to land inside their craft for valid records. It's an understandable rule for aircraft pilots, especially when the FAI was founded. Parachutes were an emerging technology and not landing an aircraft pretty much meant certain death. Of course by the 1960s, parachutes were better and so were airplanes, but still: not being able to land an aircraft doesn't really advance aviation technology or performance. There was no trophy for 'most spectacular crash landing,' and if there was, it was set by the Hindenburg when it went up in flames in the FAI's rules on landing the spacecraft remained fully in place – but Yuri Gagarin didn't land in his spacecraft. The Soviet Union had the technology to send a man safely to space, but not to land him back on Earth in the same vehicle in which he left. The USSR's scientists never planned for him to come back in the Vostok capsule, because there was no way for them to slow its velocity enough for a human to survive inside. Yuri Gagarin ejected from the spacecraft at 20,000 feet and thus did not land with the craft, technically, some say, not setting the record as per FAI rules. The Soviet Union kept Gagarin's ejection a secret for months, letting the world assume he landed with the capsule. But the FAI isn't Major League Baseball and was willing to change the rules for their Pete Rose. It recognized that launching a human into space and successfully returning him to Earth without killing him was a monumental achievement, one worthy enough to change the rules for. The only method of landing worth considering, the FAI agreed, was that the pilot or crew was still among the living. So, despite the fact that the arbitrary rules for setting a record were changed to fit the achievement, it was still quite an achievement and Yuri Gagarin was undoubtedly the first human in space.
