Ralph Mirebs, a photographer and urban explorer, stumbled upon a one-of-a-kind and extraordinary artifact. During his travels through Kazakhstan, Ralph came across a massive abandoned structure. The structure appeared to be a massive airport hangar at first glance, but it was clearly much larger. After gaining entry, he realized that this was a one-of-a-kind structure housing two of the world’s most valuable artifacts.
Simply scroll down to see these stunning images for yourself. The unused hangar is located at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. There was a Cosmodrome in the distant past that is still in use today. Following the recent cancellation of NASA’s Space Program, this is the only launch site for Russian Soyuz space shuttles, which transport astronauts to the International Space Station. This hangar dates back to a time when the United States and Russia were locked in a space race.
The hangar was constructed in 1974 as part of the Buran Space Shuttle Program, which produced some of the most remarkable exploration vessels ever imagined thanks to the integration of cutting-edge technology and innovative design. Despite the fact that the Buran Shuttle Program was cancelled in 1988, the hangar housed three cutting-edge technologies until 1993. As the Soviet Union disintegrated in 1993, this building was closed down. However, only one of the three shuttles was ever used on a mission.
The shuttle completed one unmanned orbit before collapsing when another hangar fell on top of it. The two remaining shuttles from the defunct Buran space program collect dust in an abandoned building in Kazakhstan, slowly becoming priceless artifacts of the past. The structure was so technologically advanced that it even had mechanisms to control atmospheric pressure in order to keep dirt and debris outside its impenetrable walls.
These mechanisms are no longer in use, and nature is gradually reclaiming the vast formerly man-made space. Every day, there is more dust and bird droppings on the shuttles. The ceramic tiles that covered the shuttles are loosening and breaking away, revealing the floor beneath. The future of these two early space exploration artifacts is bleak. Given how common vandalism is on abandoned buildings and other structures, it’s surprising that only a few windows were damaged.
It’s a relief to know that urban explorers follow the adage “Leave only footprints, take only photographs.” Both of these shuttles were never launched successfully. One shuttle was a dummy shuttle used to ensure that everything fit properly when the other two shuttles were built. The other shuttle never even took off, and only one of the two made it into an unmanned orbit. Soon after, the hangar in which it was housed collapsed, destroying it.
The shuttles are constructed in a large complex. We have no idea how big this is just by looking up from the ground. Isn’t it strange that our civilization’s spaceships are kept in a long-forgotten relic? The bright yellow platforms emphasize the vastness of this structure. They’re mounted on pneumatic rollers and can easily move between shuttles and platforms. Something like this would seem to be in high demand and worth a lot of money.
The walls are rusting and the paint is chipping now that the air conditioners are out of commission. When this structure eventually collapses, it will destroy two historical landmarks. The operational shuttle appears to have been almost ready for its first flight when it was grounded during the Soviet Union’s demise. Our surprise stems from the fact that things can be left unattended while the Russian Space Program is still active.
What a breathtaking sight. What would you expect to see if you walked into a deserted building? We believe it would be shocking to see two fully stocked space shuttles sitting idle. These shuttles are in excellent condition, despite the fact that some of the ceramic tiles have broken off. Dust and bird poop have accumulated on them for decades. The majority of the shuttle’s original equipment is still present on the control panel, but some of it has been removed.
The structure that once housed two space shuttles has been abandoned for so long that it will eventually collapse on top of them. Hopefully, this piece will generate enough interest to get these shuttles restored and placed in a museum. It’s incredible to come across a priceless artifact while exploring a neglected or abandoned location. What Ralph Mirebs discovered, on the other hand, elevates this urban exploration to new heights.