Baikonur Cosmodrome
ActiveAs of 23 August 2026, the next launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome is Soyuz 2.1b | Progress MS-35 (96P) on a Soyuz 2.1b, operated by Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS), scheduled for 9 September 2026 at 16:10 UTC from 31/6.
Baikonur Cosmodrome is the most historic launch site on Earth. Sputnik 1, the first satellite, launched here in 1957. Yuri Gagarin lifted off from Pad 1 in 1961. Still the primary crewed launch site for Russian missions.
Site history
Orbital mechanics from 45.9200°N
A launch site's latitude determines which orbits are achievable and at what fuel cost. Baikonur at 45.9200°N sets the following constraints:
Satellite train visibility from Baikonur
From 45.9200°N, Baikonur can reach 3 Starlink inclination shells: 53°, 70°, 97.6° SSO (polar).
Trains launched to higher inclinations are visible from more of the world. A 97° SSO train from Baikonur would be visible at virtually every latitude; a 53° train is visible from latitudes up to ±57° (primarily) — much of the populated world. In the hours after launch — before satellites raise their orbits — a tight train of 20–60 bright dots crosses the sky roughly every 90 minutes. Use OrbitalNodes' Starlink tracker for exact train pass times.
Baikonur: where the Space Age began
No site in history has more firsts. Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite, lifted off here in 1957, and Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space aboard Vostok 1 from Baikonur in 1961. Every crewed Soyuz — to Salyut, Mir and the International Space Station — has launched from these pads.
Russia leases the site from Kazakhstan. Its inland steppe location gives the long, clear downrange that crewed launches need, and it was here that the 51.6° inclination now used by the ISS was first established.
Baikonur — Launch Site FAQ
Where is Baikonur and who operates it?
Baikonur Cosmodrome is located at 45.9200°N, 63.3420°E in Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan. It is owned and operated by Russia (leased from Kazakhstan). The site has conducted approximately 1,500 orbital launches since its first in 1957.
What rockets launch from Baikonur?
Current vehicles operating from Baikonur Cosmodrome include Soyuz-2, Proton-M. Primary customers are Roscosmos, launching Soyuz crewed missions (51.6°), GEO communications, ISS resupply.
What orbits can Baikonur reach?
At 45.9200°N, Baikonur's minimum achievable inclination is 45.9° (due-east launch). The ISS at 51.6° is reachable with a dogleg manoeuvre. Sun-synchronous orbits (around 97°) are particularly efficient from this high latitude. The site can reach orbits between roughly 46° and 98° inclination.
Can I watch launches from Baikonur?
Yes — Baikonur Cosmodrome hosts a high cadence of approximately 12 orbital launches per year. Check the operator's website for public viewing arrangements and launch windows.
What satellites can I see that were launched from Baikonur?
Satellites regularly launched from Baikonur include Soyuz crewed missions (51.6°), GEO communications, ISS resupply. The ISS was supplied or crew-launched from sites at similar latitudes. Use OrbitalNodes to track any visible satellite in real time.
Why was Baikonur built at this latitude?
Baikonur at 45.9200°N was positioned to access the full range of low-Earth orbits including the ISS corridor. The site has been operational since 1957.
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