Latest news with #YuriGagarin
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Want to glamp at the world's first cosmodrome? That could soon be a reality
While Russia continues to lease Baikonur Cosmodrome, it has so far returned over fifty decommissioned facilities to Kazakhstan. The government now plans to use them to create a vibrant tourism ecosystem, drawing visitors year-round, and not just for rocket launches. It is planning to develop visitor infrastructure around iconic sites such as Gagarin's launchpad — the oldest and most famous launch pad at Baikonur, where the world's first human spaceflight was made by Yuri Gagarin on Vostok 1 in 1961 — with immersive experiences, hotels, glamping facilities, and a children's camp. The government has handed oversight of Gagarin's decommissioned launchpad to its national aerospace committee company, which will now be handling funding, maintenance, and general management, paving the way for tourism development. Russia finalised the transfer of the site to Kazakhstan in June. Related Astana: Don't miss these must-see sights on your next trip to Kazakhstan's capital 'In the future, the Kazakh side can turn it into a tourist site — a place where visitors can come, explore, and connect with the history of the very launchpad from which the first human journeyed into space, from Kazakh soil,' says the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan at the Baikonur Complex, Kairat Nurtay. 'A powerful source of inspiration' The tourism concept for Baikonur is set to be approved in September, and the first step will involve inspecting decommissioned facilities for safety. To preserve its cosmic heritage, iconic sites will be reconstructed as part of an open-air museum. This includes Gagarin's launchpad and the Assembly and Fueling Complex — once used for the final preparation of the powerful Energia rocket and Buran shuttle, a spaceplane designed as a response to the US Space Shuttle programme. Plans also include building essential infrastructure such as hotels, glamping areas, visitor centres with retail zones, restaurants, and a children's camp. 'Space is, above all, a dream for humanity — a dream to explore galaxies and discover new planets," says the Chairman of the Aerospace Committee, Baubek Oralmagambetov. "This kind of tourism is a powerful source of inspiration, especially for children. It helps them learn the history of space exploration, become motivated by its achievements, and strive to study harder and set higher goals.' Witnessing rocket launches from a yurt Last year, Kazakhstan installed a metal-structured yurt at a viewing platform near Baikonur's 31st launch pad, offering tourists a chance to watch rocket launches up close. So far this year, visitors have witnessed three launches, with three more scheduled before December. The most recent was a Russian cargo mission. A Soyuz rocket lifted off at 12:32am on 4 July, carrying the unmanned Progress 92 spacecraft with nearly three tonnes of food, fuel, and supplies for the International Space Station. It docked with the Poisk module the following day. Authorities estimate that with expanded lodgings, Baikonur could welcome up to 50,000 visitors a year by 2029 — a fivefold jump from current figures. 'At the moment, we are developing four areas of ground-based space tourism. The first is educational tours. The second is cultural and discovery-based tours. The third focuses on event-driven tourism. And the fourth includes adventure and active tours — possibly in the form of large-scale road trips like drive forums, and so on," says said Chief Manager of the Management Board Chairman's Office at Kazakh Tourism, Leila Bakytova. "As for MICE [ed. Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions] tourism, there are many exciting event formats around the world that could be brought here.' Experts say the potential is just beginning to be tapped, with ideas for interactive exhibits and hands-on simulations. 'It would be amazing if people could witness a rocket launch with their own eyes — to feel, even for a moment, like Korolev himself, giving the command to launch. Thanks to new technologies, visitors could simulate the experience of launching a rocket from the control centre," explains museum expert Rinat Kutdussov. Related Kazakhstan to regain legendary Soviet space launch site, 'Gagarin's start' "Even if it's on screens or in virtual form, they could still take part — immersed in the soundscape, surrounded by multimedia effects, perhaps even observing astronauts, robots, or mission teams at work. "The idea is to make them feel like part of the crew.' Tourism and Kazakhstan's space ambitions go hand in hand Baikonur's growing tourism ambitions align with Kazakhstan's broader space strategy. One of its key goals is to commercialise Soyuz rocket launches by 2028 using upgraded local infrastructure, as part of the Russian-Kazakh Baiterek project. 'The first test flight will take place at the end of this year,' says Oralmagambetov. 'The second and third test launches are planned for 2026 and 2027, followed by commercialisation in 2028. Both foreign and Kazakh customers will be able to send their space cargo.' Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has confirmed that construction of the Baiterek Space Rocket Complex and development of the Soyuz-5 rocket remain on schedule. According to Roscosmos, the rocket will launch from Baikonur in December this year. For now, rocket launches remain Baikonur's main tourist attraction. Officials say the transformation is only beginning — but it's designed to inspire everyone, from curious schoolchildren to lifelong space enthusiasts. Solve the daily Crossword
Euronews
19-07-2025
- Euronews
Kazakhstan plans stellar stays at historic space sites
While Russia continues to lease Baikonur Cosmodrome, it has so far returned over fifty decommissioned facilities to Kazakhstan. The government now plans to use them to create a vibrant tourism ecosystem, drawing visitors year-round, and not just for rocket launches. It is planning to develop visitor infrastructure around iconic sites such as Gagarin's launchpad — the oldest and most famous launch pad at Baikonur, where the world's first human spaceflight was made by Yuri Gagarin on Vostok 1 in 1961 — with immersive experiences, hotels, glamping facilities, and a children's camp. The government has handed oversight of Gagarin's decommissioned launchpad to its national aerospace committee company, which will now be handling funding, maintenance, and general management, paving the way for tourism development. Russia finalised the transfer of the site to Kazakhstan in June. 'In the future, the Kazakh side can turn it into a tourist site — a place where visitors can come, explore, and connect with the history of the very launchpad from which the first human journeyed into space, from Kazakh soil,' says the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan at the Baikonur Complex, Kairat Nurtay. 'A powerful source of inspiration' The tourism concept for Baikonur is set to be approved in September, and the first step will involve inspecting decommissioned facilities for safety. To preserve its cosmic heritage, iconic sites will be reconstructed as part of an open-air museum. This includes Gagarin's launchpad and the Assembly and Fueling Complex — once used for the final preparation of the powerful Energia rocket and Buran shuttle, a spaceplane designed as a response to the US Space Shuttle programme. Plans also include building essential infrastructure such as hotels, glamping areas, visitor centres with retail zones, restaurants, and a children's camp. 'Space is, above all, a dream for humanity — a dream to explore galaxies and discover new planets," says the Chairman of the Aerospace Committee, Baubek Oralmagambetov. "This kind of tourism is a powerful source of inspiration, especially for children. It helps them learn the history of space exploration, become motivated by its achievements, and strive to study harder and set higher goals.' Witnessing rocket launches from a yurt Last year, Kazakhstan installed a metal-structured yurt at a viewing platform near Baikonur's 31st launch pad, offering tourists a chance to watch rocket launches up close. So far this year, visitors have witnessed three launches, with three more scheduled before December. The most recent was a Russian cargo mission. A Soyuz rocket lifted off at 12:32am on 4 July, carrying the unmanned Progress 92 spacecraft with nearly three tonnes of food, fuel, and supplies for the International Space Station. It docked with the Poisk module the following day. Authorities estimate that with expanded lodgings, Baikonur could welcome up to 50,000 visitors a year by 2029 — a fivefold jump from current figures. 'At the moment, we are developing four areas of ground-based space tourism. The first is educational tours. The second is cultural and discovery-based tours. The third focuses on event-driven tourism. And the fourth includes adventure and active tours — possibly in the form of large-scale road trips like drive forums, and so on," says said Chief Manager of the Management Board Chairman's Office at Kazakh Tourism, Leila Bakytova. "As for MICE [ed. Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions] tourism, there are many exciting event formats around the world that could be brought here.' Experts say the potential is just beginning to be tapped, with ideas for interactive exhibits and hands-on simulations. 'It would be amazing if people could witness a rocket launch with their own eyes — to feel, even for a moment, like Korolev himself, giving the command to launch. Thanks to new technologies, visitors could simulate the experience of launching a rocket from the control centre," explains museum expert Rinat Kutdussov. "Even if it's on screens or in virtual form, they could still take part — immersed in the soundscape, surrounded by multimedia effects, perhaps even observing astronauts, robots, or mission teams at work. "The idea is to make them feel like part of the crew.' Tourism and Kazakhstan's space ambitions go hand in hand Baikonur's growing tourism ambitions align with Kazakhstan's broader space strategy. One of its key goals is to commercialise Soyuz rocket launches by 2028 using upgraded local infrastructure, as part of the Russian-Kazakh Baiterek project. 'The first test flight will take place at the end of this year,' says Oralmagambetov. 'The second and third test launches are planned for 2026 and 2027, followed by commercialisation in 2028. Both foreign and Kazakh customers will be able to send their space cargo.' Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has confirmed that construction of the Baiterek Space Rocket Complex and development of the Soyuz-5 rocket remain on schedule. According to Roscosmos, the rocket will launch from Baikonur in December this year. For now, rocket launches remain Baikonur's main tourist attraction. Officials say the transformation is only beginning — but it's designed to inspire everyone, from curious schoolchildren to lifelong space enthusiasts.
Euractiv
09-07-2025
- Business
- Euractiv
Unlocking Kazakhstan, the next frontier for EU tourism
As travellers seek more authentic, sustainable and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Kazakhstan is emerging as a promising choice. With dramatic landscapes, nomadic heritage and ongoing infrastructure development, Central Asia's largest country is positioning itself as both an accessible and compelling travel option. Kazakhstan's tourism sector is gaining momentum. In 2024, the country attracted 15.3 million international visitors alongside 10.5 million domestic travellers, marking a significant year for the industry. Spending by foreign tourists reached over $2.6 billion, according to figures from the Tourism Industry Committee. Visitors from China, Germany, Türkiye and South Korea contributed substantially, with German tourists alone spending $56 million. At the same time, revenue within the formal Travel and Tourism market – which includes hotels, holiday packages and online bookings – is projected to reach $1.09 billion in 2025, growing steadily to $1.37 billion by 2029. While the $2.6 billion figure captures total spending across the entire economy, including shopping, food and transport, the market revenue projections reflect earnings within specific commercial tourism services. Together, these figures signal a robust and expanding sector with strong growth prospects. Why Kazakhstan? The country's appeal for European tourists lies in its diverse natural environments – from deserts and steppes to snow-capped mountains – and distinctive cultural heritage, including the legacy of the Silk Road and nomadic traditions. Trekking, horseback riding and culinary exploration are growing niches. There is also a rising interest in eco and agro-tourism, supported by expanded access to 14 national parks, which saw 2.8 million visitors in 2024, an 18 per cent year-on-year increase. Emerging destinations are also being developed to meet this growing demand. One notable example is Baikonur, the site of the world's oldest spaceport, from which Yuri Gagarin was launched into orbit in 1961. A new initiative by the Kazakh Tourism National Company aims to transform Baikonur into a hub for scientific and industrial tourism, combining Cold War-era space history with inter-launch tours and museum experiences. Inclusive tourism is also gaining traction, with plans to develop nationwide networks of resorts tailored for families and children with special needs, especially in the Almaty mountain cluster. Visa access and opportunities The EU currently requires Schengen visas for Kazakh citizens entering the bloc, while citizens of all member states can visit Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 30 days. In 2024, nearly 180,000 Kazakh nationals applied for Schengen visas, with Germany the top destination. The rising demand could open the door to more reciprocal visa agreements or relaxed visa conditions between Kazakhstan and the EU. The Neo Nomad Visa, designed for remote workers and digital nomads, is already easing access for certain travellers. Digital, sustainable, local Kazakhstan is investing heavily in digital platforms such as the app, which offers real-time safety information and direct communication with law enforcement. Almaty's SuperApp enables tourists to book attractions, plan routes and explore destinations via virtual reality. Sustainability is a cornerstone of Kazakhstan's tourism policy. A new national ecotourism standard, developed in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has been in effect since June. It focuses on energy efficiency, biodiversity protection and waste management, following global best practices. In remote regions like Katon-Karagay and Turkistan, much like in Europe, local communities are promoting tourism efforts through eco-villages, designated trails and smart visitor management systems to prevent overtourism while preserving cultural and natural heritage. Challenges, achievements and outlook Despite significant progress, challenges remain. Infrastructure gaps – particularly in rural areas – limit access and comfort for visitors. Issues such as poor road quality, limited Wi-Fi, inadequate sanitation and lack of cashless payment systems can undermine the tourist experience Another challenge is the shortage of qualified tour guides, especially in regions with strong tourism potential. Although training programmes are expanding, further investment is needed to meet demand. While online booking services are becoming widespread, many small businesses still lack the capacity to engage fully with the digital economy, despite projections that 82 per cent of tourism revenue will come from digital platforms by 2029. Despite challenges, the government's strategy is delivering results: tax revenues from tourism are growing by 25 per cent annually, and the sector employs over 500,000 people. Strategic partnerships with EU companies, promotion of lesser-known destinations and a clear regulatory framework are helping Kazakhstan diversify its economy. Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Kazakhstan's visa liberalisation policies and investment in modern infrastructure enhance its appeal to European travellers seeking unique, sustainable experiences. As tourism becomes central to Kazakhstan's international identity, opportunities for deeper cooperation with the EU – both as a source of visitors and a partner in sustainable development – are set to increase. [Edited By Brian Maguire | Euractiv's Advocacy Lab ]
Time Business News
20-06-2025
- General
- Time Business News
Why Vintage Watches Were Smaller — And Why That Still Matters
In today's world of oversized divers, hulking chronographs, and statement pieces that stretch past 45 mm, picking up a vintage men's watch from the mid-20th century can feel… surprising. A 33 mm case? For many, that might seem closer to a child's watch than a man's. And yet, from the 1930s to the 1960s, this size wasn't unusual. It was the standard . So what happened? Why were watches smaller for so long, and what does that say about design, culture, and our evolving expectations? Let's rewind. Before the 20th century, men didn't wear wristwatches. Timekeeping was handled by pocket watches — thick, hefty, and often ornately engraved. Wrists were considered a feminine domain. A man pulled his time from his vest pocket. That changed during World War I. Soldiers needed a way to check the time quickly without fumbling with a chain. The solution? Strapping pocket watch movements to leather bands and wearing them on the wrist. These field-expedient 'trench watches' became standard issue. From this wartime necessity came a new norm: the wristwatch. For the first time, men embraced timepieces worn visibly — but early designs had to remain compact, both for practicality and engineering reasons. From the 1920s through the 1960s, a typical men's watch measured between 31 and 36 mm. Today that may seem small, but back then, it was all about proportional design. Think about wrist anatomy. The average male wrist measures around 18.5 cm in circumference. The flat top of the wrist — where the watch sits — is approximately 30 mm wide. So a 34 mm watch? Perfectly centered, sleek, and unobtrusive. At the time, a wristwatch wasn't designed to dominate your outfit. It was a complement — a subtle detail, like a pocket square or cufflinks. The goal wasn't to stand out, but to complete the look. And in this, vintage watches excelled. Consider the Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 96, released in 1932 at just 31 mm. Or the Rolex Datejust, which launched in 1945 at what was then a bold 36 mm. These were not small watches — they were proportionate watches. Even utilitarian pieces stuck to the formula. The U.S. Army A-11 was just 32 mm. The original Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, considered one of the first true dive watches, came in at 37 mm. And when Yuri Gagarin made history as the first man in space in 1961, he was wearing a 33 mm Sturmanskie. There was a practical reason behind all this modesty. Watchmaking in the early 20th century was still perfecting miniaturization. Taking a pocket watch movement and adapting it for the wrist meant downsizing components without compromising performance. A smaller case forced movement makers to be efficient — and that efficiency became a badge of honor. Self-winding mechanisms and complications like chronographs did push cases slightly larger — into the 36 to 38 mm range — but anything over 40 mm was almost unheard of. One notable exception, the IWC Portuguese from 1939, measured 43 mm. But that was only because it used a full pocket-watch movement. It was the outlier, not the trend. Flash forward to the late 1990s and early 2000s. Suddenly, the fashion world embraced big . Watches exploded in size: 42 mm, 45 mm, even 48 mm cases became not just acceptable, but desirable. A combination of things. Fashion became more maximalist. Marketing campaigns celebrated bold, statement-making pieces. And celebrity culture took over: Stallone wore Panerai, Schwarzenegger partnered with Audemars Piguet, Jay-Z championed Hublot. Bigger was bolder. And bolder sold. Watch brands responded. Panerai's 44 mm Luminor became an icon. The Royal Oak Offshore hit 42 mm and kept growing. Rolex released the Deepsea Sea-Dweller — 44 mm wide and nearly 18 mm thick. For a while, bigger meant better. And yes, some technical watches needed more space — for helium escape valves, multi-day power reserves, or flyback chronographs. But often, the extra size was mostly empty. Tiny quartz movements floated inside oversized steel. Still, the appeal was obvious: oversized watches demanded attention. They didn't whisper sophistication. They shouted wealth, power, and presence. But over time, the novelty wore off. Oversized watches began to feel impractical. Heavy. Top-heavy. Impossible to wear under a shirt cuff. And more importantly, they didn't fit. Collectors started to rediscover vintage watches. Not just for their history or patina — but for how they wore . A 34 mm Seamaster sat perfectly on the wrist. A 36 mm Datejust slid under a cuff effortlessly. People realized: small watches weren't outdated. They were refined . In 2017, Paul Newman's personal Rolex Daytona sold for $17.8 million. It was just 37 mm. In a world obsessed with massive chronographs, that was a reminder: size isn't everything. Fashion followed. Men's style leaned retro — looser tailoring, vintage influence, elegant silhouettes. Suddenly, a massive diver didn't quite match your tweed sport coat. The industry responded. Tudor launched the Black Bay Fifty-Eight at 39 mm. Omega reissued its 1957 trilogy — Speedmaster, Seamaster, Railmaster — in vintage proportions. Even Cartier, Longines, and Breitling embraced smaller cases. And on the red carpet, actors like Paul Mescal, Jacob Elordi, and Timothée Chalamet began wearing vintage watches under 36 mm. In 2025, Chalamet famously wore two 33 mm Cartier Tanks on the same wrist — and made it look fresh. Today, the stigma around small watches is gone. You can wear a 36 mm Explorer I, a 33 mm Omega De Ville, or a 34 mm Poljot and still be the most stylish person in the room. Size no longer defines masculinity or fashion sense. Vintage watches are proof: elegance doesn't have to be loud. Sometimes the most powerful presence is the quietest one. At Dumarko, we've always believed in balance. Proportion. Wearability. Our collection celebrates the 31–36 mm range because we know that a truly great watch isn't about dominating the wrist. It's about belonging on it. And once you wear one, you might just realize — small isn't a compromise. It's the legacy of timeless design. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Indian Express
10-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
What astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla may experience in space: Here's how zero gravity will impact his health
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is all set to become the second Indian in space with the launch of Axiom-4, scheduled for Wednesday 05:30 pm. He will spend 14 days in the International Space Station (ISS) conducting experiments, one of them being on whether people with diabetes can be considered for space travel. His own body will be undergoing changes brought on by floating in microgravity. Space travel — which now includes orbital flights with private civilians — presents an extraordinary challenge to the human body. The absence of gravitational forces affects nearly every physiological system. Since the 1961-foray of Yuri Gagarin into outer space, we have gathered a lot of information on the immediate and chronic impact of space on the health of astronauts. Space sickness: After reaching the microgravity environment of outer space, astronauts report symptoms of space sickness such as headaches, nausea, and vomiting. This is because the brain gets confused with the gravity and acceleration information it receives from the inner ear — the information that is essential for maintaining balance on Earth. This does not last long as the brain gets used to the new information in a couple of days. When they come back to Earth, they are forced to re-adjust again, and can initially experience difficulty in standing, walking, turning, or fixing their gaze. Fluid accumulation: During the initial days in space, astronauts may also experience swelling of their face. This is because all the bodily fluids that are pulled down to the lower body due to gravity on Earth rush to the upper body. The distribution of fluids, however, balances out in some days. After returning to Earth, astronauts may experience dizziness while standing up because in the presence of gravity, the heart has to pump harder to send blood to the brain. Bone and muscles: Without the need to carry the body's weight when in space, astronauts start experiencing bone and muscle loss. This decrease in load-bearing can result in decreasing bone density, especially in the lower body such as legs, hips and spine. It also results in an increase in mineral content elsewhere in the body, leading to an increased risk of stones. The reduced muscle strength could result in falls when they are back on Earth. Eyes: When in space, the eyes experience several changes such as flattening of the globe and swelling in the back of the eye where the retina and optic nerve connect. These changes in the eye and brain structures is referred to as Space Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome, which has no equivalent on Earth. This is experienced by nearly 70% of the astronauts on the space station, with the impact intensifying during longer stays. The upward shift of fluids is thought to be the reason. Heart health: With the body not requiring the heart to pump as hard in space, long duration stays there may decrease the size of the heart. On return to earth, the smaller, weaker heart may over-exert itself. Astronauts experience a decline in their blood volume, their aerobic capacity and experience more arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats. The space radiation also impacts the lining of blood vessels, which can initiate or accelerate heart diseases. With rising incidence of diabetes on earth, one of the Axiom-4 experiments will investigate whether those who depend on regular insulin shots can opt for space travel. At present, such people are disqualified. While the Galactic 07 sub-orbital flight last year confirmed that the commercially available insulin-pens can effectively deliver insulin, the current experiment will focus on blood sugar level monitoring. The experiment will use Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) to see whether accurate sugar level reading is possible in space. It will also check the efficacy of insulin that has been exposed to space. The study of human health in space can help researchers improve comfort during space travel — such as designing ways to maintain a normal sleep-wake-up cycle, providing better nutrition and exercise guidelines and more comfortable suits. It is extremely important with several countries now looking at sustained presence in space as well as long-duration space travel to planets such as Mars. India plans to set up its own space station called Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and send man to the moon by 2040. Many studies on human health conducted in space also have implications for developing new therapies on Earth. Anonna Dutt is a Principal Correspondent who writes primarily on health at the Indian Express. She reports on myriad topics ranging from the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension to the problems with pervasive infectious conditions. She reported on the government's management of the Covid-19 pandemic and closely followed the vaccination programme. Her stories have resulted in the city government investing in high-end tests for the poor and acknowledging errors in their official reports. Dutt also takes a keen interest in the country's space programme and has written on key missions like Chandrayaan 2 and 3, Aditya L1, and Gaganyaan. She was among the first batch of eleven media fellows with RBM Partnership to End Malaria. She was also selected to participate in the short-term programme on early childhood reporting at Columbia University's Dart Centre. Dutt has a Bachelor's Degree from the Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune and a PG Diploma from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. She started her reporting career with the Hindustan Times. When not at work, she tries to appease the Duolingo owl with her French skills and sometimes takes to the dance floor. ... Read More
