A memorial ceremony was held in Baikonur on October 24 to honor those who died during rocket technology tests. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
In the spaceport's calendar, there is a special day between preparations for a rocket launch and the launch days themselves. On this day, Baikonur remembers the deceased and a moment of silence is observed, Roscosmos noted.
"Every year on October 24, tribute is paid here to the spirits of engineers, designers and military personnel who died during rocket technology tests," the statement said.
The tragedy of October 24, 1960
On October 24, 1960, during preparations for the first test launch of the R-16 intercontinental ballistic missile, the second-stage engine ignited without authorization, causing an explosion. Among the victims was the chairman of the State Commission, Marshal of Artillery Mitrofan Nedelin.
The fire of October 24, 1963
On October 24, 1963, a fire broke out in a silo launch facility during work with a training mock-up of the R-9A intercontinental ballistic missile. The tragedy claimed the lives of eight people.
Memorial
Today, a memorial bearing the names of those killed during rocket technology tests stands at the site of the former R-16 launch pad in Baikonur.