Current Affairs - Technology - Discussion

Baikonur Cosmodrome is located in Kazakhstan and has been operated by Russia since the Soviet era under a long-term lease agreement. Russia pays $115 million annually to Kazakhstan for its usage, and the lease has been extended until 2050. This location remains central to Russia's space missions due to its established infrastructure and strategic value. Despite the rise of other launch platforms globally, Baikonur continues to host important missions like the Soyuz MS-27. Its role also reflects ongoing scientific diplomacy, as space exploration remains one of the few areas of cooperation between Russia and the U.S., even amidst broader geopolitical tensions.