World's Iconic Spaceports Since the dawn of the Space Age, spaceports around the globe have served as crucial launching pads for humanity's dreams of exploration, scientific discovery, and commercial endeavors. From the historic sites that ushered in the satellite era to cutting-edge facilities designed for the burgeoning private space industry, these spaceports represent the pinnacle of engineering and human ambition. Here's a look at some of the world's most iconic spaceports: Spaceport Name Location Primary Operator(s) Key Historical Achievements Noteworthy Features Baikonur Cosmodrome Baikonur, Kazakhstan (leased by Russia) Roscosmos, Russian Aerospace Forces First satellite (Sputnik 1, 1957), first human in space (Yuri Gagarin, 1961), consistently used for crewed Soyuz flights to ISS. World's oldest and largest operational space launch facility; "Gagarin's Start" launchpad. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) & Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCS...