Kazakhstan’s Vision for Baikonur Cosmodrome as a Tourism Destination
Kazakhstan has taken significant steps to transform the historic Baikonur Cosmodrome into a thriving tourism hub. While Russia continues to lease the facility, the country has returned over fifty decommissioned sites to Kazakhstan. These sites are now being considered for development into a comprehensive tourism ecosystem that will attract visitors throughout the year, not just during rocket launch events.
The government is focusing on key locations such as Gagarin’s launchpad, which marks the site of the first human spaceflight by Yuri Gagarin in 1961. The plan includes creating immersive experiences, building hotels, glamping facilities, and even a children’s camp. These efforts aim to provide a deeper connection with the history of space exploration.
The national aerospace committee company has been given responsibility for managing the decommissioned launchpad, including funding and maintenance. This move paves the way for the development of tourism around this iconic location. The transfer of the site was finalized in June, marking a major milestone in the collaboration between Kazakhstan and Russia.
A Source of Inspiration
The concept of space tourism at Baikonur is set to be officially approved in September. The first step involves assessing the safety of the decommissioned facilities. To preserve its cosmic heritage, some of these sites will be reconstructed as part of an open-air museum. This includes Gagarin’s launchpad and the Assembly and Fueling Complex, which once supported the Energia rocket and Buran shuttle.
In addition to historical preservation, the plans also include developing essential infrastructure such as hotels, glamping areas, visitor centres with retail zones, restaurants, and a children’s camp. These developments aim to create a unique experience for tourists interested in space exploration.
Space is often seen as a dream for humanity, and the Chairman of the Aerospace Committee, Baubek Oralmagambetov, emphasizes that this kind of tourism can be a powerful source of inspiration, especially for children. It helps them learn about the history of space exploration and motivates them to pursue their own goals.
Experiencing Rocket Launches
One of the most exciting aspects of visiting Baikonur is the opportunity to witness rocket launches. Last year, Kazakhstan installed a metal-structured yurt near the 31st launch pad, allowing tourists to watch launches up close. So far this year, three launches have been observed, with three more scheduled before December.
The most recent launch was a Russian cargo mission, where a Soyuz rocket carried the Progress 92 spacecraft with supplies for the International Space Station. Authorities estimate that with expanded lodgings, Baikonur could welcome up to 50,000 visitors a year by 2029, significantly increasing current figures.
Diverse Tourism Offerings
Kazakh Tourism is developing four main areas of ground-based space tourism. These include educational tours, cultural and discovery-based tours, event-driven tourism, and adventure and active tours. Additionally, there is potential for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, which could bring various event formats to the region.
Experts believe the potential for space tourism in Baikonur is just beginning to be explored. Ideas for interactive exhibits and hands-on simulations are being discussed. For instance, visitors could simulate the experience of launching a rocket from the control centre, using new technologies to immerse themselves in the process.
Even if the experience is virtual, it could still be engaging. Visitors might be surrounded by multimedia effects, hear the soundscape, and observe astronauts or mission teams at work. The goal is to make them feel like part of the crew.
Aligning with Space Ambitions
Baikonur’s tourism ambitions align with Kazakhstan’s broader space strategy. One of the 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 is planned for the end of this year, with subsequent launches scheduled for 2026 and 2027. Commercialisation is expected in 2028, allowing both foreign and Kazakh customers 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.
For now, rocket launches remain Baikonur’s main tourist attraction. Officials say the transformation is only beginning, but it is designed to inspire everyone, from curious schoolchildren to lifelong space enthusiasts.
