Salam Tourism Magazine 21 | Seite 108

109 BAIKONUR COSMODROME launched the first spaceship in human history Opened in 1955 Baikonur Cosmodrome launched the first manned spacecraft in human history. It is located in the desert steppe of Kazakhstan. Under the current Russian space program, Baikonur is a busy spaceport, with numerous commercial, military, and scientific missions being launched annually. All manned Russian spaceflights are launched from Baikonur. Visits during space launches are particularly popular, but scheduling is subject to unpredictable delays Permits are necessary and must be arranged at least 45 days in advance; this is easily done through a specialist travel agency.