Spectrum visits ... Baikonur

Article Abstract:

A visit to the Baikonur Cosmodrome east of the Aral Sea in Kazakhstan reveals the extent to which Russian officials have abandoned their former space center. With no Russian funding, the facility's heating, water and security systems collapsed, forcing many civilian workers to resign. In addition, the poor state of the center makes it vulnerable to 'fires, explosions and toxic leaks.' Russian and US space officials, however, continue to disclaim such allegations.

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Russia's sorry infrastructure

Article Abstract:

Russia's physical infrastructure is in worsening disrepair. Events which exemplify this are the loss of the nuclear submarine Kursk and the fire in Moscow's TV tower. An observer cites improperly addressed investments, a dissdain for maintenance and repair, and a waste of natural and human resources as reasons.

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Stellar engineer

Article Abstract:

A profile of Vladimir Syromyatnikov, one of the top engineers of Russia's space program, is presented.

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