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Author
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Topic: Baikonur: Vestiges of the Program (Jonk)
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OLDIE Member Posts: 277 From: Portsmouth, England Registered: Sep 2004
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posted 06-24-2020 03:54 PM
I've just purchased, and read, a new book on the Baikonur Cosdrome titled "Baikonur: Vestiges of the Soviet Space Programme" by Jonk. It's a real good book for the "nuts and bolts" space buff. The author and friends make a clandestine photo tour of the now disused parts of Baikonur to make a record of the last vestiges of the remaining Russian space shuttles, slowly rusting away in their hangers. Photography is superb (good for model makers). The book also has some very good shots of the site and surrounding area. In my younger days, I came within a whisker of a visit there. I had already visited other sites related to the Soviet space programme, organised by an Adult Education Group. Baikonur, however, eluded me. For me, this book is the next best thing. It's mainly photographs, but the text is very much in the James Bond mode. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 44137 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-24-2020 05:37 PM
Baikonur: Vestiges of the Soviet Space Program by Jonk The Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan was created by the Soviets in the 1950s. It was from Baikonur in 1988 that the first Soviet spaceplane, Buran, was launched, in response to the United States Space Shuttle.The Buran programme would officially end in 1993 during the presidency of Boris Yeltsin, with only one Buran launch ever taking place ― in 1988. Thereafter, parts of the Baikonur Cosmodrome fell into disuse, notably the sites connected with the launch of these Soviet craft. The two shuttles that were completed remain abandoned there, laid to rest in this atmospheric place. This is the first time that photographs of these spectacular locations have been published in a book. Jonk travelled 20km through the Kazakh desert under cover of night, entered the hangars clandestinely, and spent three nights there under the radar of military security to produce a truly incredible photographic reportage of what is considered today the world's most important urban exploration site. - Hardcover: 192 pages
- Jonglez Publishing (April 7, 2020)
- ISBN-10: 2361953773
- ISBN-13: 978-2361953775
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Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 44137 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-24-2020 05:53 PM
While I am certain the book is attractive, given the images from the same photographer that went viral online, one must also consider the unnecessary damage "Jonk" did in pursuit of his adventure.I visited Baikonur in 2002, and was there just two weeks before a hangar roof caved in destroying the Buran flight article. Though our trip was very likely more expensive than Jonk's "urban exploration," we were invited to explore the area with a tour guide, and saw multiple Buran vehicles and the Energia launch site without the need for subterfuge. I have heard it suggested that since Jonk's exploits went viral, Roscosmos has tightened its control over the Cosmodrome and even invited guests now have less access than before. To be fair, not all of the new restrictions are likely the result of this photographer (and others like him), but the timing points to his actions having had some effect. (That is, if his exploits are as described. I have also heard that his access may have been arranged and that the claims of clandestine moves in the dark of night were fabricated to increase clicks and, I suppose now, book sales.) I'm not suggesting anyone who is inclined to buy the book not do so, what's done is done, but maybe just something to keep in mind while appreciating the photos. |
OLDIE Member Posts: 277 From: Portsmouth, England Registered: Sep 2004
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posted 06-25-2020 03:01 AM
Thanks Robert. I'm afraid I didn't know the background story, and am sorry to hear about the fallout from Jonk's exploits. That said, I'm still glad that I bought the book. In the present climate, most of us could be be waiting a long time for the Russians to publish anything like this themselves. |
hornetplusthree New Member Posts: 5 From: Mulhouse, France Registered: Aug 2012
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posted 06-26-2020 03:25 PM
Replying to Robert, I would say that this book is at the confluence of space history and urban exploration (UrbEx), which is I think a new perspective for us space geeks (even if there are already some books about "abandoned in place" sites). So in this sense, for space aficionados this is not very important I think if there is or not some storytelling on how he managed to enter the building. Probably for the happy few who went or will go to Baikonur (I am one), there was or will be no possibility to visit this building, as this seems to be totally unsecure; one next day the building will collapse, destroying the test articles, and for all those who can not go there themselves, now they can see these beautiful pictures, which deliver a grim image of the past of the soviet Buran Program, and also the Soviet Union. If there was an arrangement with some Russian or Kazakh authority, then I think this was worth of it... | |
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