Space adventures of Martin in Russia and his impressions.

I think that the tour to Mission Control Center , RKK Energia Museum and the Khrunichev Center was both well planned and smoothly executed.
 

Seeing the Mission Control Center is and watching the Space Station Control Room is particularly fascinating when you have already been at the Baikonur Cosmodrome and seen the Soyuz launch the astronauts up there!
 

The RKK Energia Museum is a must for any space enthusiast, not only because of it’s rich collection of historical space vehicles (including Gagarin’s) but also for the fact that RKK Energia is the direct descendant of S.P. Korolev’s original “OKB-1” Design Bureau.
 

The Khrunichev Center is very interesting for a number of reasons: First, it is one of Russia’a first aircraft producers, life and work in the factory through the thirties and under WWII is richly described in rocket pioneer Boris Chertok’s memoirs. Secondly, it’s the producer of Vladimir Chelomey’s hugely successful UR -100 ICBM family as well as the Proton heavy launcher. Thirdly, it is developer and producer of the future, modular Angara Space Launch Vehicle – and, if possible, I will go to watch the 2011 launch of the first Angara !
 

Finally, I would like to thank you for your always pleasant company!