R-7 ICBM/Soyuz rocket launch facilities in Baikonur

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R-7/Soyuz rocket infrastructure overview:

Site	Complex designation	Completion date	Purpose/Infrastructure	Details
1 (PU-5)	17P32-5	1957	R-7/Sputnik/Vostok/Soyuz launch pad	In service
2	-	1957	MIK 2-1 and extension 1A processing area for R-7 based launchers and their payloads.	1A extension was completed in mid-1970. The entire facility abandoned in mid-1990s, the Soyuz/Progress processing moved to Site 254
2A	-	1958	MIK 2A processing area for the warheads of the R-7 ICBM.	-
2B	-	-	MIK 2B-1 (135R) processing area for R-7 based launchers and their payloads.	MIK 2B-1 (135R) is used for the integration of the Soyuz and Progress spacecraft with the launch vehicle. The operations are expected to be moved to Site 112
31 (PU-6)	17P32-6	1960	R-7/Molniya launch pad	Originally built as the R-7 battle station. Modified for Soyuz-Fregat launches
32	-	1960	R-7 residential housing, assembly buildings MIK-32 and MIK-32GCh	-

Site 31 and 32

At the end of 1958, a year-and-half after the R-7 ballistic missile started flying, the second launch complex for the same rocket was founded at Site 31, east of the original launch facilities in Tyuratam. Unlike the test launch complex at Site 1 and 2, the Site 31 facility was planned as an operational and training "battle station" for the R-7 missile. The new complex included the launch pad, the MIK assembly building, the MIK GCh building for the processing of the nuclear warhead, disel-powered energy generating facility and the new residential complex at Site 32.

Based on experience gained during the construction at Site 1 and 2, the flame trench at Site 31 launch pad was scaled down in comparison to that of at Site 1. The assembly and support facilities were also placed much closer to the launch pad.

The complex was completed at the end of 1960. On Feb. 27, 1961, the first R-7 ICBMblasted off from Site 31.

As R-7's role as a carrier of the nuclear weapons diminished, the Site-31 along with Site-1 was re-purposed for space operations, including manned launches.

According to the Russian press, during 2005, the launch complex and the processing facilities at Site 31 was being refurbished for the Soyuz-2 rocket.

As of 2006, out of 100 Russian manned launches, a total 12 lifted off from Site 31, according to Roskosmos.

Manned operations return to Site 31

In 2009, to support the anticipated increase of the International Space Station crew from three to six, Russia had to increase frequency of manned launches from two to four annually. The number of Progress cargo supply missions was to increase as well. As a result, a number of upgrades was conducted at Site 31 during 2007 and 2008, to enable manned launches from both Site 1 and Site 31, Kazakhstan Today reported, quoting Baikonur officials.

Upgrades covered the fueling system and flight control bunker. Also, a new air-conditioning system for the payload section of the rocket, a clean room and communications cables were installed.

At the time, the first launch of the Progress spacecraft from Site 31 was expected in 2008 and the first manned Soyuz (after long break) would blast off from the same pad in 2009.

PICTURE GALLERY

soyuz

The Soyuz-2-1a rocket with the Metop spacecraft on the launch pad at Site 31 in Baikonur on July 14, 2006. Credit: Roskosmos

Soyuz with Globalstar

The Soyuz-FG rocket is being installed on the launch pad at Site 31 in Baikonur on Oct. 18, 2007. Credit: Roskosmos