The Roscosmos press service described a gradual uptick in activity at the Vostochny cosmodrome, which sits in Russia’s Amur Region. The agency noted that launches have begun to rise at a modest pace, signaling a steady return to higher flight tempo after a period of slower operations, according to official statements from Roscosmos and reporting by TASS.
Officials indicate that 2023 could see a noticeable increase in tourist traffic at the spaceport complex, as more people from around the world express interest in spaceflight-related experiences. The emphasis is on making a wide range of spaceport activities accessible to travelers who seek to observe or participate in civilian missions. These include crewed launches, cargo missions involving trucks and other vehicles, satellite deployments, and related demonstrations. However, logistical challenges remain, particularly with itineraries that connect to Baikonur, and travelers are urged to coordinate with tour operators before planning trips. This caution reflects the ongoing efforts to synchronize visitor access with security protocols and launch schedules.
Roscosmos has stated its intention to maintain the level of tourist visitation to spaceports equal to last year, aiming to provide a stable experience for guests while meeting safety and operational requirements. The press office highlighted that the previous year set a benchmark for visitor engagement, and the agency is working to replicate that pattern in the current year as part of a broader plan to develop space tourism alongside scientific and commercial launches.
In a consolidated view of recent activity, officials note that the spaceport network has hosted a notable series of launches without incident. In the past year, a total of 100 launches were successfully completed in sequence, reinforcing reliability across Russia’s major launch sites. Among these missions, 46 took place from Baikonur Cosmodrome, 36 from Plesetsk, and nine from the Guyana Space Center and Vostochny Cosmodrome. The majority of these missions employed vehicles in the Soyuz family, underscoring a continued confidence in familiar launch systems while the spaceport network evolves to accommodate new customers and pathways for civilian access to space. The focus on reliability, safety, and predictable scheduling informs ongoing planning as the spaceports expand their role within the global space ecosystem, inviting visitors to witness milestones in human space exploration and technological progress.