Vitanje, 13 April 2026 – The Center of Space Technologies Herman Potočnik Noordungin the municipality of Vitanje hosted a ceremonial event dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the first human spaceflight by Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

At the invitation of the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Slovenia, Mr. T.Eyvazov, the ceremony was also attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Slovenia, Mr. A.Abibullayev, the Mayor of Vitanje, Mr. A.Pogorevc, and the Director of the Centre, Ms. N.Pavlič Brečko. The participants laid flowers at the bust of Yuri Gagarin, as well as at the monuments to prominent figures of global astronautics - S.Korolev, K.Tsiolkovsky, H.Potočnik Noordung and H.Oberth - whose names are commemorated on the grounds of the complex.

During the visit, the guests viewed the Center’s exhibitions illustrating the evolution of space science - from early theoretical concepts and pioneering engineering breakthroughs to modern technologies and international space projects. The event underscored the importance of scientific and technological cooperation and the role of contemporary space research as a field that fosters international understanding and contributes to peaceful progress.

Ahead of the 70th anniversary of the launch of the first artificial Earth satellite from the Baikonur Cosmodrome (4 October 1957), the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Slovenia, Mr. A.Abibullayev, initiated the establishment of a dedicated exhibition stand at the Herman Potočnik Noordung Center, highlighting the Baikonur Cosmodrome and Kazakhstan’s current space programmes. The participants emphasized the importance of preserving historical heritage and passing knowledge to future generations, for whom the achievements of astronautics continue to serve as a source of inspiration and scientific aspiration.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-ljubljana/press/news/details/1200889?lang=kk