![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/W33VFBXS6PFVIJQPFZ65RGFLKY.jpg?smart=true&auth=96496821dc3117c6adb31158897d86c01b0e245ce9dab3ae473360088eabdfd6&width=400&height=225)
The impressive achievements of Yuri Gagarin, the first person in space in 1961, are celebrated here. James Langton / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/2OA45TKDOTDLIGWH5ZI7CRKYJU.jpg?smart=true&auth=fbaf234572ac8bc3448123ece58e6e19b1b54f0e76ec49bf910cbfcb6cde7a5b&width=400&height=225)
A young child enjoys play time in Baikonur. James Langton / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IGHGNDOZWIMCJCVK6JUQWIZ7FM.jpg?smart=true&auth=5834e5d3f34a994da37b6f7a612016ad79b0dc1ef55ce16e244f61b514603ac5&width=400&height=225)
Some familiar brand names greet shoppers in the supermarkets of Baikonur. James Langton / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ESZMVSKNDJMO5AF3YVWYECUFVQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=118835ca894da420d3cb36ab26edc7518fffd3b67c7579ba4dbcfac8223fb429&width=400&height=225)
Baikonur may be unheralded, but it has enjoyed a crucial role in the space industry for decades. James Langton / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/YOGATN7NSNFMJGFYLZC5DAXFOU.jpg?smart=true&auth=d06531204b30c75719f0baeb39a369a94e7abc1d332558d12b67fde308fbd355&width=400&height=225)
A down-to-earth city is playing host to a landmark moment in the UAE's history. James Langton / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/X5KCOZY64CPKTPL2IIGRMWWPJA.jpg?smart=true&auth=5e38a50341300ac11882624e47c9dfb63138252bf9774c25c4000f44ea445a1b&width=400&height=225)
A rocket fuel plant in Baikonur, where the Soyuz space craft will launch on Wednesday. James Langton / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SKQY35RRULPI7A6XLKEXA7H5JY.jpg?smart=true&auth=9dff226f5e6fe11a84c680400e53907bb51d2c31af456936799316de997b99c4&width=400&height=225)
A mosque near the checkpoint into Baikonur city. Erica Alkhershi / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UTKOVUC4WSRDWQP36GXCNLCLYM.jpg?smart=true&auth=61245c12b7680504a87302f9d4d709748844a804b5b3c572e0ae037fe2df882e&width=400&height=225)
A recreational area for guests of the Seven Winds Hotel in Baikonur cosmodrome. Erica Alkhershi / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QYGVNM3RTFTDY24USLDYH5MXQI.jpg?smart=true&auth=bf9194ccb2ae478c6626f77a8ebb75cd41a68d1c39479a34a23f63e413dc6ddf&width=400&height=225)
A recreational area for guests of the Seven Winds Hotel in Baikonur cosmodrome. Erica Alkhershi / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PGFBQD37MJ33L3VK3VSJ2KYIKM.jpg?smart=true&auth=2c338312832d75435b8a5ae2333da2f38aa741f4a3959f1d5967f1f5972fca04&width=400&height=225)
A recreational area for guests of the Seven Winds Hotel in Baikonur cosmodrome. Erica Alkhershi / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RSXJIIS7ISECCXARNSSDFOEMHE.jpg?smart=true&auth=392b833059c72988873d79fc2151392ee2cae5a9d13b40e7ebf33f69a10a0c5f&width=400&height=225)
Rocket lamps hang in the lobby of the Seven Winds Hotel in Baikonur cosmodrome. Erica Alkhershi / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HVMGDIGNK7AKRT2VIEVUAIRUBM.jpg?smart=true&auth=69f2bdae0c7b9ddd99f6845f5061e2439ecd0ae4c117844f4a6237f89ef7f56c&width=400&height=225)
A recreational area for guests of the Seven Winds Hotel in Baikonur cosmodrome. Erica Alkhershi / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VZRGUOSXKQUHUTZVD46CKNN42U.jpg?smart=true&auth=e166a10ec56ccdd2d3a2b1c9fb0fe82e842c8af838ebe88446b87c2cc865b491&width=400&height=225)
A magnet, commemorating Wednesday's launch, for sale in Baikonur's hotels. Erica Alkhershi / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/J2FYHWP5YIURG66WS2QHHFSKPU.jpg?smart=true&auth=ca5d2dd8ecc5a946d31141d74848d07422ea212d873bdb83ec8e7899660ffab6&width=400&height=225)
Hassan Yehia, from Lebanon, is a chef at the Sputnik Hotel in Baikonur. His uniform is space themed. Erica Alkhershi / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/L2D7GPYNMNSBX6Q5E4OJOVVHWU.jpg?smart=true&auth=bd3035d4295636028a21cfa9d0e9ec6d53ee91f82f3fc7635e0629b530248acd&width=400&height=225)
A rocket shaped bin in the recreational area of the Seven Winds Hotel in Baikonur. Erica Alkhershi / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IPG4I7WFPSEDE7WPM75GQ63VEE.jpg?smart=true&auth=576e15a5e7c80fb3df9a174fdf2cd6cbca6d9e8f056235537239241d6d1a38ff&width=400&height=225)
Baikonur has a unique place in the world's love affair with space travel. James Langton / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/2ZHYVZ5U6OP6ENKLUWDCPTSXK4.jpg?smart=true&auth=83cb9367e20abcf45d30eca430266e3312e9dfab89a7edfb72b6d2f010af5ef6&width=400&height=225)
The sleepy city of Baikonur still attracts it share of tourists due to its significant role in space exploration. James Langton / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DG33WFE2KCMMP6Q7CGJTBH32AU.jpg?smart=true&auth=7f302d17fc403313ba9225a93030ea8f7c695692422bc4438a67422e648fa69c&width=400&height=225)
Baikonur was once banished from the map but is now integral to the UAE's space programme. James Langton / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HJMPEKDL5MJYYC6MTUCHMEXGAQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=2e0a3cd46134e56b912eb4eaa2456aa436fd81ea1cb8f2abe99cf9b931e5dbb7&width=400&height=225)
Hazza Al Mansouri will blast into space on Wednesday evening. James Langton / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VQCU4IWGOYCOFNQC5V6DWMIJME.jpg?smart=true&auth=9e68a26f4ff66469ba3dd81769558112908ae9e2e53a99e738d89ad5b677b893&width=400&height=225)
People go about their daily business in Baikonur, as UAE Astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri prepares to rocket into the record books. James Langton / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BOF7VAYCJZUMS3R2DP4KKQ7SRE.jpg?smart=true&auth=6d83c0f8b1b0e5ae2c6f05013935ca93b0697091ffb50a849c40e117968bdca6&width=400&height=225)
Much of Baikonur's identity is wrapped up in its impressive contribution to space travel. James Langton / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/W33VFBXS6PFVIJQPFZ65RGFLKY.jpg?smart=true&auth=96496821dc3117c6adb31158897d86c01b0e245ce9dab3ae473360088eabdfd6&width=400&height=225)
The impressive achievements of Yuri Gagarin, the first person in space in 1961, are celebrated here. James Langton / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/2OA45TKDOTDLIGWH5ZI7CRKYJU.jpg?smart=true&auth=fbaf234572ac8bc3448123ece58e6e19b1b54f0e76ec49bf910cbfcb6cde7a5b&width=400&height=225)
A young child enjoys play time in Baikonur. James Langton / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IGHGNDOZWIMCJCVK6JUQWIZ7FM.jpg?smart=true&auth=5834e5d3f34a994da37b6f7a612016ad79b0dc1ef55ce16e244f61b514603ac5&width=400&height=225)
Some familiar brand names greet shoppers in the supermarkets of Baikonur. James Langton / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ESZMVSKNDJMO5AF3YVWYECUFVQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=118835ca894da420d3cb36ab26edc7518fffd3b67c7579ba4dbcfac8223fb429&width=400&height=225)
Baikonur may be unheralded, but it has enjoyed a crucial role in the space industry for decades. James Langton / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/YOGATN7NSNFMJGFYLZC5DAXFOU.jpg?smart=true&auth=d06531204b30c75719f0baeb39a369a94e7abc1d332558d12b67fde308fbd355&width=400&height=225)
A down-to-earth city is playing host to a landmark moment in the UAE's history. James Langton / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/X5KCOZY64CPKTPL2IIGRMWWPJA.jpg?smart=true&auth=5e38a50341300ac11882624e47c9dfb63138252bf9774c25c4000f44ea445a1b&width=400&height=225)
A rocket fuel plant in Baikonur, where the Soyuz space craft will launch on Wednesday. James Langton / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SKQY35RRULPI7A6XLKEXA7H5JY.jpg?smart=true&auth=9dff226f5e6fe11a84c680400e53907bb51d2c31af456936799316de997b99c4&width=400&height=225)
A mosque near the checkpoint into Baikonur city. Erica Alkhershi / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UTKOVUC4WSRDWQP36GXCNLCLYM.jpg?smart=true&auth=61245c12b7680504a87302f9d4d709748844a804b5b3c572e0ae037fe2df882e&width=400&height=225)
A recreational area for guests of the Seven Winds Hotel in Baikonur cosmodrome. Erica Alkhershi / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QYGVNM3RTFTDY24USLDYH5MXQI.jpg?smart=true&auth=bf9194ccb2ae478c6626f77a8ebb75cd41a68d1c39479a34a23f63e413dc6ddf&width=400&height=225)
A recreational area for guests of the Seven Winds Hotel in Baikonur cosmodrome. Erica Alkhershi / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PGFBQD37MJ33L3VK3VSJ2KYIKM.jpg?smart=true&auth=2c338312832d75435b8a5ae2333da2f38aa741f4a3959f1d5967f1f5972fca04&width=400&height=225)
A recreational area for guests of the Seven Winds Hotel in Baikonur cosmodrome. Erica Alkhershi / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RSXJIIS7ISECCXARNSSDFOEMHE.jpg?smart=true&auth=392b833059c72988873d79fc2151392ee2cae5a9d13b40e7ebf33f69a10a0c5f&width=400&height=225)
Rocket lamps hang in the lobby of the Seven Winds Hotel in Baikonur cosmodrome. Erica Alkhershi / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HVMGDIGNK7AKRT2VIEVUAIRUBM.jpg?smart=true&auth=69f2bdae0c7b9ddd99f6845f5061e2439ecd0ae4c117844f4a6237f89ef7f56c&width=400&height=225)
A recreational area for guests of the Seven Winds Hotel in Baikonur cosmodrome. Erica Alkhershi / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VZRGUOSXKQUHUTZVD46CKNN42U.jpg?smart=true&auth=e166a10ec56ccdd2d3a2b1c9fb0fe82e842c8af838ebe88446b87c2cc865b491&width=400&height=225)
A magnet, commemorating Wednesday's launch, for sale in Baikonur's hotels. Erica Alkhershi / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/J2FYHWP5YIURG66WS2QHHFSKPU.jpg?smart=true&auth=ca5d2dd8ecc5a946d31141d74848d07422ea212d873bdb83ec8e7899660ffab6&width=400&height=225)
Hassan Yehia, from Lebanon, is a chef at the Sputnik Hotel in Baikonur. His uniform is space themed. Erica Alkhershi / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/L2D7GPYNMNSBX6Q5E4OJOVVHWU.jpg?smart=true&auth=bd3035d4295636028a21cfa9d0e9ec6d53ee91f82f3fc7635e0629b530248acd&width=400&height=225)
A rocket shaped bin in the recreational area of the Seven Winds Hotel in Baikonur. Erica Alkhershi / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IPG4I7WFPSEDE7WPM75GQ63VEE.jpg?smart=true&auth=576e15a5e7c80fb3df9a174fdf2cd6cbca6d9e8f056235537239241d6d1a38ff&width=400&height=225)
Baikonur has a unique place in the world's love affair with space travel. James Langton / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/2ZHYVZ5U6OP6ENKLUWDCPTSXK4.jpg?smart=true&auth=83cb9367e20abcf45d30eca430266e3312e9dfab89a7edfb72b6d2f010af5ef6&width=400&height=225)
The sleepy city of Baikonur still attracts it share of tourists due to its significant role in space exploration. James Langton / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DG33WFE2KCMMP6Q7CGJTBH32AU.jpg?smart=true&auth=7f302d17fc403313ba9225a93030ea8f7c695692422bc4438a67422e648fa69c&width=400&height=225)
Baikonur was once banished from the map but is now integral to the UAE's space programme. James Langton / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HJMPEKDL5MJYYC6MTUCHMEXGAQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=2e0a3cd46134e56b912eb4eaa2456aa436fd81ea1cb8f2abe99cf9b931e5dbb7&width=400&height=225)
Hazza Al Mansouri will blast into space on Wednesday evening. James Langton / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VQCU4IWGOYCOFNQC5V6DWMIJME.jpg?smart=true&auth=9e68a26f4ff66469ba3dd81769558112908ae9e2e53a99e738d89ad5b677b893&width=400&height=225)
People go about their daily business in Baikonur, as UAE Astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri prepares to rocket into the record books. James Langton / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BOF7VAYCJZUMS3R2DP4KKQ7SRE.jpg?smart=true&auth=6d83c0f8b1b0e5ae2c6f05013935ca93b0697091ffb50a849c40e117968bdca6&width=400&height=225)
Much of Baikonur's identity is wrapped up in its impressive contribution to space travel. James Langton / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/W33VFBXS6PFVIJQPFZ65RGFLKY.jpg?smart=true&auth=96496821dc3117c6adb31158897d86c01b0e245ce9dab3ae473360088eabdfd6&width=400&height=225)
The impressive achievements of Yuri Gagarin, the first person in space in 1961, are celebrated here. James Langton / The National
The 'secret' city where UAE astronaut will reach for the stars
Baikonur was once banished from the map but will now forever have a place in UAE history as the launch pad for a nation's long-held dream to soar into space
![James Langton](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2F59aec61e-41b3-468c-8a69-57168338145b.png?smart=true&auth=20537dd68c837a65707d347b248e74bad34b378390f02a7be13b68d756185b99&width=70&height=70)
James Langton
26 September, 2019
- Listen In English
- Listen In Arabic