The Cosmodrome where the First Satellite was Launched into Orbit and Man into Space is 70 Years Old!
( Pp. 136-146)
More about authors
Aslan H. Abashidze
Dr. Sci. (Law), Professor, Honorary Lawyer of the Russian Federation, Honorary Scientist of the Russian Federation, member of the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Director of the Law Institute, Head of the International Law Department; Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba; Moscow, Russian Federation
Irina Al. Chernykh
Cand. Sci. (Law), Assoc. Prof., Associate Professor of the Department of International Law; Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba; Moscow, Russian Federation
Timur Nugmanov
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba; Moscow, Russian Federation
Abstract:
Abstract: Purpose of the article. On June 2, 2025, the Baikonur Cosmodrome celebrated its 70th anniversary. Today, the Baikonur Cosmodrome, together with the city of Baikonur, form a single complex. A significant number of launches have been and continue to be carried out thanks to the rocket, space, and administrative infrastructure of this complex, created during the Soviet era and regulated by a system of Russian-Kazakh treaties. To understand this complex system of international legal regulation, this study offers a historical and international legal analysis of the relevant agreements, as well as an assessment of the future prospects for Russian-Kazakh cooperation in the development of the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Conclusions. As a result of the conducted research, the authors came to the conclusion that the system of bilateral international treaties regulating the Baikonur cosmodrome and complex represents agreements on individual objects of cooperation (procedures for the use of the cosmodrome, land, property and environmental issues, the rights and freedoms of citizens living on the territory of the Baikonur complex, security issues). The Baikonur Cosmodrome is a civilian facility. Russian-Kazakh relations regarding the operation of the Baikonur Cosmodrome are currently changing: a new agreement has been signed on the construction of the Baiterek space rocket complex at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, and security and environmental issues for the Baikonur complex are being detailed. However, despite the two countries' long-standing cooperation in the use of Baikonur, a scenario is possible in which Russia abandons it. Then, Kazakhstan will be able to independently develop the complex. The cosmodrome could also be used as part of multilateral CIS projects for the peaceful exploration of space.
How to Cite:
Abashidze, A.H., Chernykh, I.Al. & Nugmanov, T. (2026). The Cosmodrome where the First Satellite was Launched into Orbit and Man into Space is 70 Years Old! Gaps in Russian Legislation, 19(1), 136-146. DOI: 10.33693/2072-3164-2026-19-1-136-146. EDN: BJROBL
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Keywords:
Baikonur, cosmodrome, complex, lease, system of bilateral agreements, legal status.
