Tengrinews.kz – Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered a video message on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Baikonur Cosmodrome, according to a statement from Akorda.
The President of Kazakhstan addressed workers and veterans of the space industry on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the cosmodrome — the world’s oldest international spaceport, which became the cradle of global astronautics.
"It was from here in 1957 that the first artificial satellite of Earth was launched, marking the beginning of the space exploration era. A few years later, in 1961, the first cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin embarked on his historic flight from Baikonur. This epoch-making event united people across the planet and inspired faith in science and the progress of civilization. Over the years, thousands of satellites have been launched from Baikonur, and dozens of crewed missions have taken off. Outstanding scientists, engineers, and designers have worked here. I express my sincere gratitude to all those who stood at the origins of these great achievements," said the President of Kazakhstan.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that Kazakhstan takes particular pride in the fact that the world’s largest spaceport is located on Kazakh soil.
"Our national heroes – Toktar Aubakirov, Talgat Musabayev, and Aydin Aimbetov – flew into space from here. Our country is an active participant in international space exploration. The Baikonur Cosmodrome is a vivid example of long-term strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Russia, based on friendship, good neighborliness, and mutual benefit.
In recent decades, Kazakhstan has implemented a number of large-scale space projects contributing to the development of the national economy. Kazakhstan aims to turn Baikonur into a hub of international cooperation, scientific exchange, tourism, and educational attraction. There is great potential in entering new markets for space services and in creating opportunities for young engineers, designers, and scientists to realize their potential," the message says.
The Head of State extended special words of gratitude to the residents of the city of Baikonur:
"Your dedicated work and careful attitude toward the legacy of space pioneers deserve the highest respect. The space sector has always united humanity, serving as a driver of innovation and scientific-technical progress. I am confident that Baikonur will continue to be a starting point for great discoveries and a source of next-generation innovations," President Tokayev emphasized.
Baikonur is a city with a unique history. Since 1994, the city and cosmodrome have been leased by Russia from Kazakhstan, making it not only a key space facility but also a special zone within the country. Earlier, Tengrinews.kz correspondents visited this closed city to learn how its residents live and to witness a rocket launch.