Congratulatory Message from the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan on the 70th Anniversary of the Baikonur Cosmodrome

On 2 June 2025, the legendary Baikonur Cosmodrome and the city of the same name mark their 70th anniversary. The Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, sent a congratulatory address on this historic occasion to Sergey Vladimirovich Mochalov, Director of the Southern Space Centre (Baikonur Cosmodrome):

Dear Sergey Vladimirovich,

I cordially congratulate you on a milestone date in the history of space exploration – the 70th anniversary of the founding of the legendary Baikonur Cosmodrome!

Seventy years ago, a history began that would change the world: in the vast expanses of the Kazakh steppe, gifted builders, engineers, and designers created a unique complex from which the first artificial satellite of the Earth was launched and the first human spaceflight took place.

Today, Baikonur stands as a symbol of advanced achievements in global astronautics, having made an enormous contribution to the history of rocketry and to humanity’s exploration of outer space. The cosmodrome remains an integral part of international space programs to this day.

As one of the leading spaceports, and confidently holding a leading position worldwide in terms of the number of space launches, Baikonur will continue to preserve its significance in global astronautics for many years to come.

On this special day, I wish you, dear Sergey Vladimirovich, and all the staff of the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the grace of the Lord, peace, well-being, and success in your labors and good undertakings.