On June 2, 2025, the city of Baikonur celebrated its 70th anniversary—a milestone event for the entire aerospace industry. The official ceremonies were attended by Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roman Sklyar, Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry Zhaslan Madiyev, along with representatives of the space sector, veterans, engineers, students, and local residents.

A highlight of the celebration was the video addresses from President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. In their messages, both leaders emphasized Baikonur’s unique historical significance as the world’s first space launch site and its pivotal role in the development of international space cooperation.

Baikonur holds a special place in global history: in 1957, it was the launch site of the first artificial Earth satellite, and in 1961, the first human spaceflight. Kazakhstan’s own cosmonauts—Toktar Aubakirov, Talgat Musabayev, and Aidyn Aimbetov—also launched from this very site.

President Tokayev underlined Kazakhstan’s commitment to developing Baikonur as a center for international collaboration and scientific exchange, as well as a hub for tourism and educational initiatives. The spaceport offers potential for new projects and the active engagement of youth in the space industry.

As part of the anniversary program, guests visited key facilities of the Baiterek space rocket complex—a critical project for Kazakhstan—and participated in award ceremonies and meetings with representatives of space-related organizations.

Minister Zhaslan Madiyev highlighted the strategic importance of the Baiterek project for Kazakhstan:

“This is not only a step toward environmentally sustainable rocket operations but also a foundation for a new stage of international cooperation in space. Baikonur remains a strategic asset ensuring Kazakhstan's participation in global space initiatives.”

Special attention during the celebration was dedicated to youth and educational programs. Baikonur is increasingly becoming not only an engineering and technological platform but also a focal point for new generations of students, researchers, and developers.

The anniversary program also included tributes to space industry veterans, who received honorary awards and commemorative distinctions.

Kazakhstan continues to pursue a consistent space policy, maintaining strategic control over Baikonur's infrastructure, participating in key decision-making processes, and expanding its national potential in satellite technologies and scientific-educational projects.

Background:

Founded in 1955 as a closed scientific and engineering center, the city of Baikonur today is a unique complex of international importance, operating under the joint jurisdiction of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation.