“We take pride in the fact that the world’s largest spaceport is located on Kazakh soil”

President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev delivered a video address on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Baikonur Cosmodrome, reports Adyrna. “Dear friends, esteemed professionals and veterans of the space industry! I wholeheartedly congratulate you on the 70th anniversary of the Baikonur Cosmodrome! In 1957, the launch of the first artificial Earth satellite from this very site marked the beginning of the space age. Shortly after, in 1961, the first human, Yuri Gagarin, launched into space from Baikonur. This historic event united the global community and reinforced humanity’s faith in scientific and civilizational progress. Since then, thousands of satellites have been launched and dozens of missions completed from Baikonur. Prominent scientists, designers, and engineers have worked here. I express my deep gratitude to all the specialists who stood at the origins of these great achievements,”* said the President. Tokayev emphasized Kazakhstan’s active role in international space exploration. “We take great pride in the fact that the world’s largest spaceport is located on Kazakh soil. From here, our national heroes Toktar Aubakirov, Talgat Mussabayev, and Aidyn Aimbetov launched into space. Kazakhstan is considered an active participant in global space exploration efforts. The Baikonur Cosmodrome is a vivid symbol of the long-term strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Russia, founded on friendship, good neighborliness, and mutual understanding. In recent decades, Kazakhstan has implemented several large-scale space projects that contribute to the development of the national economy. Our country aims to transform Baikonur into a hub for international cooperation, science, education, and tourism. Expanding into new space markets and nurturing young engineers, designers, and scientists will pave the way to a bright future,”* he said. The President also expressed special appreciation to the residents of the city of Baikonur. “You have diligently preserved the rich legacy left by the pioneers of space exploration. This deserves the highest respect. The space industry has always united humanity around a shared goal and driven innovation and scientific-technological progress. I am confident that Baikonur will continue to be a source of groundbreaking discoveries and cutting-edge innovations. I wish you all well-being and success,”* President Tokayev concluded.