Baikonur Cosmodrome: launch schedule & viewing guide
Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Kazakh steppe is the world's oldest and historically most significant launch site. Sputnik, Yuri Gagarin, and every Soviet and Russian crewed mission through the present era launched from here. Russia leases the facility from Kazakhstan and continues to use it for Soyuz and Proton launches.
Upcoming launches from Baikonur
- Soyuz 2.1a | Soyuz MS-29 In 7 weeks
- Soyuz 2.1a | Progress MS-35 (96P) In 16 weeks
- Soyuz 2.1a | Progress MS-36 (97P) In 26 weeks
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About Baikonur
Baikonur was established in the mid-1950s under the Soviet space program. Site 1, known as Gagarin's Start, launched both Sputnik 1 in 1957 and Vostok 1 in 1961. The cosmodrome sprawls across a vast area of flat steppe and encompasses dozens of launch pads and technical facilities, though many are no longer active. It remains the primary launch site for Russian crewed missions aboard Soyuz spacecraft.
Russia leases Baikonur from Kazakhstan under a long-term agreement. The Soyuz rocket, the longest-serving and most-launched rocket family in history, departs from here regularly. The cosmodrome's remote location in the steppe presents logistical challenges for casual visitors, but dedicated space tourism operators offer launch viewing tours, and the site carries an extraordinary weight of spaceflight history for those willing to make the journey.
Rockets: Soyuz, Proton-M, Soyuz-2.
Launch operators: Roscosmos, International Launch Services.
Watching a launch near Baikonur
Baikonur is extremely remote — the nearest city of any size is Baikonur city (formerly Leninsk), a closed settlement adjacent to the cosmodrome. Independent access is difficult and the area around the pads is restricted. Several space tourism companies offer organized launch viewing tours that include transport, accommodation in the city, and access to designated viewing areas. These tours must be arranged months in advance and are the practical route for most international visitors.
Best nearby towns to watch from
- Philadelphia, PA — about 5970 mi away; launches appear toward the north-northeast.
- Ocean City, NJ — about 5996 mi away; launches appear toward the north-northeast.
- Cape May, NJ — about 6026 mi away; launches appear toward the north-northeast.
- Dover, DE — about 6027 mi away; launches appear toward the north-northeast.
- Rehoboth Beach, DE — about 6043 mi away; launches appear toward the north-northeast.
- Baltimore, MD — about 6046 mi away; launches appear toward the north-northeast.
Baikonur viewing FAQ
Can tourists visit Baikonur to watch a launch?
Yes, but independent access is not practical. The cosmodrome and surrounding area require special permission, and the remote steppe location makes self-organized visits difficult. Space tourism companies offer group launch viewing tours that handle permits, transport from Almaty or Astana, and accommodation in Baikonur city. These are the standard way for international visitors to attend launches.
Where exactly can launch viewers watch from at Baikonur?
Organized tour groups are typically brought to viewing areas a few kilometers from the launch pad, close enough to feel the sound and pressure wave from liftoff — an experience well-regarded by those who have attended. The flat steppe terrain means visibility is good from a wide area around the pads, and the Soyuz rocket's bright engines are visible for several minutes after launch.
Is Baikonur still active, and for how long will it remain so?
Baikonur remains active, with Soyuz rockets launching crew and cargo missions. Russia is also developing the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia's Far East to reduce dependence on Baikonur. The transition is gradual, and Baikonur is expected to continue operating for crewed missions for the foreseeable future, though the long-term balance between the two sites is still evolving.