First An‑124 Cargo Flight to Vostochny Cosmodrome: New Horizons for Tourism

How it happened

On July 10 2023 a massive An‑124‑100 belonging to the airline Volga‑Dnipro appeared over the Far East. The world’s largest cargo plane made an unusual touchdown – on the runway of Vostochny Cosmodrome. It was the first time such a heavy transport aircraft used the infrastructure of a space complex.

What was delivered

The aircraft took off from Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport, where the “Fregat” booster module was loaded. The module is built by NPO Lavochkin and is meant to serve as the upper stage in future launch campaigns. Official figures put the cargo weight at roughly twenty tonnes – enough to make even veteran pilots pause.

Why it matters

Landing an An‑124 at Vostochny opens fresh logistical options for Russia’s space sector. Until now, the biggest loads were routed mainly through Baikonur, but the Far East now has direct access to the heaviest transport means. For travelers this means new points of interest: a cosmodrome that was once off‑limits could become a spot for tours and launch‑watching.

How to get to Vostochny

The cosmodrome sits in Primorsky Krai, deep in the Far East. The easiest route is to fly to a major regional airport – for example Khabarovsk – and then continue by ground transport, either a bus or a rental car. The roads to the site need advance planning, as part of the way runs across barren terrain.

What to see

• The cosmodrome itself – vast launch pads, hangars and control centers, each looking like a piece of a future science‑technology museum.
• Technical facilities – during special events you can watch rocket‑module preparations, including the very “Fregat” that the An‑124 just delivered.
• Far East nature – surrounding the site are stretches of taiga and mountain ridges, offering a striking contrast between high tech and wild landscape.

Practical tips

• Permits. Access to the cosmodrome is restricted, so you’ll need an official invitation or join an organized tour.
• Clothing. Weather here can swing from cool breezes to sunny spells, so dress in layers.
• Communication. Mobile signal in remote areas is often weak; plan navigation ahead of time.
• Transport. Some roads are gravel, making a four‑wheel‑drive vehicle the safer choice.
• Visiting season. The best window for watching launch preparations is spring to autumn, when conditions are most stable.

Visiting Vostochny Cosmodrome after the historic An‑124‑100 landing is a chance to see space technology becoming part of Russia’s broader infrastructure. If you enjoy mixing travel with scientific discovery, this route deserves a spot on your itinerary for the coming year.

Based on materials from: frequentflyers.ru.