Stories from Baikonur · Kazakhstan

American billionaire Denis Tito, aged 60, launched toward the International Space Station via a rocket from Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Tito paid $20 million for the seat on the mission. He is accompanied by two female cosmonauts. The launch occurred on the morning of Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Space travel is now possible for individuals beyond professional astronauts. Private citizens can now book travel to the International Space Station, though they must arrange their own flights. Dennis Tito was among the first wealthy American entrepreneurs to travel as a tourist. NASA previously allowed such trips but now requires travelers to organize their own logistics.

Russia has successfully launched the first component of the International Space Station.

A Russian rocket successfully launched the first component of the International Space Station into space. This launch marks the beginning of a new era in space travel. The mission aims to establish the orbital laboratory through collaborative scientific efforts. This development follows a historical context of post-Soviet space collaboration and the legacy of the Mira station. The mission involves a collaborative effort between Russia, the United States, Japan, Canada, and the European Space Agency. The component is operating at an altitude of 400 kilometers above Earth. All participating agencies are working together to manage the station's development. The launch utilized Landing Zone 2 and Landing Zone 40 for the mission. The launch was successful as of April 26, 2026, at 14:37:09Z.

A demo flight for the Soyuz-5 rocket is scheduled for April 26, 2026, at 11:00:00Z. The launch status is currently listed as to be confirmed. The launch is confirmed as 'Go for Launch' with a scheduled time of 14:36:50Z on April 26, 2026.

A Soyuz-5 demo flight is currently in a 'Go for Launch' status with a scheduled window of April 26, 2026, at 11:00 UTC. The launch status is currently listed as 'To Be Confirmed'. Launch window set for April 27, 2026, at 14:21 UTC.

The Soyuz 2.1a rocket is cleared for the launch of the Progress MS-34 spacecraft. The mission is currently in 'Go for Launch' status with a scheduled window around 22:21 UTC.

A demo flight for the Soyuz-5 rocket is currently set for launch on April 26, 2026. The mission status is listed as 'Go for Launch' pending final confirmation.