History of the N-1/Energia launch facilities

The construction of the launch complex "Raskat" for the giant N-1 moon rocket officially started in Tyuratam in 1964, north of the original launch pad for the R-7 missile. (73) However, the active effort to build the complex did not commence until 1965.

SITE 110: Launch complex 11P825

Two launch pad at site 110, known as "left" and "right" were built originally for the N-1 moon rocket. In the mid-1970 they were modified for the Energia-Buran heavy-lift launch vehicle. The launch vehicle with the reusable orbiter would be rolled out to the launch pad on a 2,756-ton transporter-erector.

SITE 112 and 112A: Processing complexes 11P591 and 11P593

The original processing and assembly building for the N-1 Moon rocket was refurbished in the mid-1970s for Energia-Buran project.

SITE 250 and 250A: Test-firing stand/Launch complex 17P31 for the Energia launcher

A single most impressive launch complex in Baikonur was build for life firings of the super-powerful engines on the Energia rocket. By 2009, the facility also became a base for the construction of the Baiterek complex designed to host Russian Angara rocket.

SITE 251: Buran landing facility 11P72 (Yubileiniy airport)

By mid-1980s, a new airport was completed at the northern edge of the cosmodrome to serve as a primary landing site for Buran. With the demise of the program, the facility eventually became an entry point for much of the commercial cargo entering Baikonur, including many communications satellites, destined to ride Russian rockets into orbit.

SITE 254: Buran processing facility

A special four-bay building was erected at Site 254 in Baikonur to service the Buran orbiter between flights. This unique structure is 312 meters long and 254 meters wide, covering some 72,000 square meters. The main processing area inside the building is flanked by four floors of various test rooms with the total 4,800 square meters of space.

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