Authenticity and spectrality of space heritage: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan

Abstract

The Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the world’s first and largest operational spaceport for orbital and human launches, stands out for its historical significance in the space heritage but remains largely unknown to the wider public. Using a qualitative case study research approach, this study explores how post-Soviet Baikonur heritage is commodified and interpreted by various stakeholders, identified through snowballing sampling who are directly or indirectly involved in Baikonur space heritage and museums, as well as extensive content analysis of policy documents, historical and documentary accounts, tourist brochures, museum websites and multimedia digital environments from the Baikonur cosmodrome. The research shows that tangible and intangible heritage play a key role in the commodification of Baikonur visitor experience: Baikonur historic buildings and memorabilia preserved, presented, and used for visitors. Particularly, intangible dimensions such as site atmosphere and spectrality reinforce the originality of the Cosmodrome and the perceived authenticity of the site. This study contributes to advancing the literature and practice of the nexus between authenticity, collective memory and tourism development related to a unique international space heritage site in Kazakhstan. It enhances the political and societal understanding of the role of space heritage in the post-Soviet region.