Historical Events tagged with "baikonur"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Space Exploration

First Long-Duration Crew Arrives at ISS

November 2nd, 2000 24 years ago

Expedition 1 marked the inaugural long-duration mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Three crew members arrived at the ISS, including cosmonauts Yuri Usachev, and cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev, along with astronaut William Shepherd. They were tasked with conducting scientific research and maintaining the ISS. Their arrival initiated a continuous human presence in space, with crews rotating aboard the station thereafter, cementing the ISS as a hub for human exploration and collaboration in low Earth orbit.

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Space Exploration

Soyuz TM-31 Launches First ISS Resident Crew

October 31st, 2000 24 years ago

Soyuz TM-31 launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome, carrying the first resident crew to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission marked the beginning of continuous human presence in space, with the crew consisting of Russian and American astronauts who would conduct scientific research and maintain the ISS. The success of this launch underscored international collaboration in space exploration.

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Space Exploration

Launch of Zarya, First ISS Module Component

November 20th, 1998 26 years ago

Zarya, the first module of the International Space Station, was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. This key component, known as the Functional Cargo Block (FGB), was put into orbit on a Proton rocket. Zarya serves essential functions, including power generation, storage, and propulsion, marking a significant step in international collaboration in space exploration. The launch represented a collaborative effort between the United States and Russia, paving the way for further development of the ISS.

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Space Exploration

Collision of Progress Spacecraft with Mir Station

June 25th, 1997 27 years ago

A Progress supply spacecraft collided with the Russian space station Mir, damaging its rear docking port and causing pressure loss. The uncrewed Progress 232 spacecraft, launched to deliver supplies and equipment, experienced a failure in its automated navigation system. This mishap raised concerns regarding the safety of operations onboard Mir.

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Space Exploration

First American Astronaut on Russian Launch Vehicle

March 14th, 1995 30 years ago

Norman Thagard became the first American astronaut to launch into space aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. He flew from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan as part of the personal spaceflight arrangements between NASA and the Russian space agency. The flight marked a significant point in U.S.-Russian cooperation in space exploration, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

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Space Exploration

Buran Shuttle Completes Historic Test Flight

November 15th, 1988 36 years ago

The Soviet Union's uncrewed spacecraft Buran successfully launched and completed a mission that showcased its capabilities, marking a significant achievement in space technology. Launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Buran demonstrated the ability to maneuver autonomously before safely landing after approximately three hours in flight. It replicated the Space Shuttle's design and function, providing the Soviet space program with a path in crewed and uncrewed missions.

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Space Exploration

Launch of the Mir Space Station

February 20th, 1986 39 years ago

The Soviet Union launched the Mir spacecraft, a modular space station that would eventually serve as a hub for international cooperation in space exploration. Over its operational life of 15 years, Mir was occupied for about a decade, hosting astronauts from various countries, contributing significantly to long-duration human spaceflight research. The first module, Core Module 7K, reached orbit, and subsequent additions transformed it into a multifaceted research and living environment. Mir became a symbol of Soviet engineering and a precursor to the later International Space Station.

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Space Exploration

Launch Pad Explosion of Soyuz 7K-ST 16L

September 26th, 1983 41 years ago

A Soyuz 7K-ST No. 16L spacecraft, intended for a crewed mission to the Salyut 7 space station, exploded on the launch pad during preparation for launch. Fortunately, the launch escape system was activated just before the Soyuz-U rocket detonated, allowing the crew to escape without injury. This incident raised significant concerns regarding the safety measures in place for manned space missions during that era.

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Space Exploration

Soyuz 38 Launches Cosmonauts to Salyut 6

September 18th, 1980 44 years ago

Soyuz 38 successfully launched two cosmonauts, including Cuban cosmonaut Arnaldo Tamayo Méndez, to the Salyut 6 space station. This mission marked a significant collaboration between the Soviet Union and Cuba, highlighting the close ties during the Cold War era. The crew conducted scientific research and fostered relations between the two nations while aboard the space station.

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