Space Age Symbol Sold in Pieces

The Baikonur Cosmodrome, a bastion of Soviet space exploration and the historic site where Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, was launched, is entering a new phase. Authorities in Kazakhstan and Russia have announced the auction of old and obsolete equipment, in a move that marks the beginning of a technological and geopolitical transition. According to Kazinform, the auction will begin on June 4, 2025, with a starting price of approximately 520,000 euros. Metal structures, measuring instruments, cables and other equipment from several launch pads will be put up for sale. The stated purpose of the sale is to "optimize existing production areas" and prepare for the introduction of new technologies within the framework of the joint Russian-Kazakh project "Baiterek", aimed at modernizing the cosmodrome and bringing it in line with the current requirements of the space industry.

• An uncertain future for Baikonur

Although Russia has leased Baikonur until 2050, the long-term prospects of this space center are unclear. Russia has begun to invest heavily in other cosmodromes located on its territory, especially in Vostok in the Far East, with the aim of reducing its dependence on Kazakhstan. This repositioning comes in a context in which Russia is preparing to withdraw from the International Space Station (ISS) in 2028, thus reducing the need for regular manned launches from Baikonur. In fact, since 2020, with the entry into the market of the American company SpaceX, Russia has lost its monopoly on the transportation of astronauts to the ISS.

• Frictions in the Russian-Kazakh partnership

The Russian-Kazakh collaboration related to Baikonur has not been without tensions. Delays in payments for the Baiterek project and the lack of substantial investments from Moscow have generated diplomatic friction in recent years. However, the Kazakh Ministry of Aerospace Industry recently stated that "early termination of the lease agreement or the transfer of the city of Baikonur under the full control of the Kazakh side are not envisaged", signaling an intention to continue the partnership.

• Modernization or abandonment?

Baikonur, although still functional and essential for manned launches, risks becoming a symbol of a bygone era. The sale of old equipment could signal a modernization strategy, but it could also be perceived as a step towards a possible decline.

Whether it remains an active center of space exploration or turns into a museum of Soviet glory, Baikonur continues to be a key place in humanity's story of conquering the cosmos.