Inside the Russian Space Program

On this 8 day program timed to coincide with a manned launch of the Soyuz rocket to the International Space Station, split your time between Russia’s capital, Moscow, and Baykonur, home to Russia’s space launch facilities. Your days are filled with insider experiences linked to the Russian Space program.

This round-trip takes you to magical Moscow, where you will spend four nights, and on to Baykonur near the Russian space launch facilities for another three nights. While in Moscow, spend a day at Star City, the formerly secret training facility for Soviet cosmonauts, where today space travelers from all over the world prepare for their flights. While there, explore the MIR Space Station Simulator, see the Hydro-lab for zero-G training, the largest centrifuge globally, the Soyuz – TMA Simulator, and meet a cosmonaut.

Fly to Kazakhstan’s steppes, to the territory of the Baykonur Cosmodrome, the Russian space launch facility, to witness the manned launch of the Soyuz spacecraft on its way to relieve the crew of the International Space Station. Enjoy unparalleled access to VIP viewing areas. Get up close and personal in Baykonur with Cosmodrome workers, officials, and former and current cosmonauts at all the pre-launch activities – including the rollout of the Soyuz from the assembly hangar to the launch pad, the raising of the rocket ceremony, and the walk along the Alley of Cosmonauts.

In Moscow, also explore the underground Cold War Bunker now a museum; spectacular Novodevechy Convent and Cemetery and visit Monino Air Museum to see the greatest collection of flying machines assembled in Russia,

Optional Post-Tour: Return to Star City to participate in optional cosmonaut training activities such as a Zero-G flight, a spacewalk in the Orlan spacesuit, or a ride on the centrifuge.