Quiz Champion

Where is the world's oldest still operational space launch facility located?

  • United States
  • Russia
  • Iran
  • Kazakhstan
Explanation

The world's oldest still operational space launch facility is located in Kazakhstan because of its strategic geographical location and historical ties to the Soviet space program. The Baikonur Cosmodrome, situated in the vast steppes of Kazakhstan, has been operational since 1957 and has witnessed numerous space milestones, including the launch of the first artificial satellite (Sputnik 1) and the first human (Yuri Gagarin) into space. Kazakhstan's vast and sparsely populated landscape provides an ideal environment for space launches due to its remote location, allowing for safe rocket trajectories over uninhabited territory. Moreover, the country's strong partnership with Russia, inherited from the Soviet era, has contributed to Baikonur's continued use as a major space launch facility.