Ruins of Cosmic Civilization: Little-known Soviet Space Shuttles Still Intact and Abandoned at the Baikonur Launch Site
On this momentous occasion of “Cosmonautics Day,” the world’s attention turns towards space, and even President Putin himself immerses in the theme by attending a new Russian movie on space exploration. However, amidst the celebration, a sad aspect of Russia’s space history emerges, revealing a stagnation in the country’s progress.
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Baikonur, the colossal space launching site that was once a testament to the Soviet Union’s space dominance, now lies abandoned in Kazakhstan. Within its sprawling grounds is a huge hangar harbouring remnants of the Soviet space legacy. Concealed behind closed doors for over two decades, these artefacts have weathered time, blanketed in a thick layer of dust. Thanks to the endeavours of Russian blogger Ralph, we now have the privilege of witnessing these extraordinary relics through the power of photography.
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Behold the awe-inspiring expanse of this immense hangar, an epitome of Soviet space progress, soaring over 130 meters in height. On either side, colossal gates are guardians of the secrets contained within. Through these gates, a fully-assembled rocket, with a space shuttle securely mounted atop, would majestically glide. The enormity of these doors is nothing short of astonishing.
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The walls of this hallowed structure are thick, designed to withstand the reverberations of a nearby rocket explosion during launch, ensuring the preservation of the valuable equipment housed within.
Within this hollow space, monumental cranes stand as testaments to engineering prowess, capable of hoisting an astonishing 400 tons of weight.
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Among the treasures concealed within this hangar are two remarkable artefacts—the illustrious Buran and its counterpart, “Burya.” These Soviet space shuttles etched their names in history as pioneers of space travel. The Buran, in particular, embarked on a meaningful journey to the cosmos, solidifying its position as a symbol of Soviet ingenuity and ambition.
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In the era of the Soviet Union, this hangar boasted an ingenious system that maintained higher internal pressure than the outside environment, ensuring that no dust could infiltrate its sacred chambers. Alas, the time has rendered this system defunct, allowing the relentless march of dust particles into this once-impregnable sanctuary. With this article, we bring “Cosmonautics Day” to a magnificent close, offering a glimpse of remarkable artefacts that embody the essence of space exploration. Our heartfelt gratitude extends to Ralph for capturing these captivating photographs, which can be found on his website below.
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As we contemplate these remnants of a bygone era, it becomes evident that the spirit of cosmic exploration that thrived within the Soviet Union remains a vital part of our collective history. The sight of these abandoned shuttles within the Baikonur launch site invokes a sense of nostalgia and melancholy, reminding us of the extraordinary feats achieved and the untapped potential that lies dormant.
Efforts have been made to secure a future for these artefacts in museums, where their historical significance can be showcased for generations. However, logistical challenges and limited funding have impeded these endeavours thus far. Nevertheless, discussions persist regarding the possibility of transforming the former Buran launch pad into a museum, offering visitors an immersive experience in the captivating world of Soviet space exploration.
In the vast expanse of Baikonur, amid the abandonment and decay, stand the ruins of a cosmic civilization. The fully intact, albeit forgotten, Soviet space shuttles are poignant reminders of when humanity dared to reach for the stars. Their presence evokes a sense of wonder and admiration for past achievements while igniting our imaginations for the possibilities that lie ahead in our ongoing exploration of the cosmos.
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Let us honour the legacy of the Soviet space program and cherish the dreams it once kindled within us. Within these ruins, we find remnants of a bygone era, the enduring spirit of human curiosity, and the relentless pursuit of the unknown.
Via: [englishrussia]
