244th independent Engineering & Test Unit

244-я отдельная инженерно-испытательная часть

Military Unit: 49566

Activated 5.2.80 in Leninsk, Kzyl-Orda Oblast, under the 2nd Test Department, Baikonur Test Center (5th NIIP).

The units main tasks was missile/complex tests and orbital launches with the 11K77 (Zenit-2) launcher.

1982 transferred to the 5th Test Department.

30.11.89 transferred to the 1st Center for Test and Application of Space Means.

Baikonur Test Center - Site 45 (45 56 29N, 63 39 14E)

• two 11K77 pads - built 1978-1983
• 11K77: first launch 13.4.85 - still in use
• The No.1 pad (south) was destroyed 4.10.90 during a launch failure - not repaired

Baikonur Test Center - Site 42 (45 58 00N, 63 39 11E)

• support/technical area for Site 41 and Site 67, and later Site 45
• Missile ready building for 8K64 and 8K67 missiles (MIK-42) (built 11.59-1960) - 45 57 58N, 63 39 12E
• new integration and test building (MIK-45) (built 1983-1985) for the 11K77 (Zenit-2) launcher - 45 58 00N, 63 39 01E

Baikonur Test Center - Site 43 (45 58 09N, 63 38 43E)

• Housing area for Sites 41/42, and later Site 45
• HQ 2nd Test Department until 1993
• HQ 5th Test Department (1982-1989)
• HQ 39th independent Engineering & Test Unit (until 1969)
• HQ 26th independent Engineering & Test Unit (1976 transferred to Site 37)
• HQ 25th independent Engineering & Test Unit (disbanded 1980)
• HQ 244 independent Engineering & Test Unit
• railway station "Vostochnaya" - 45 57 55N, 63 38 28E
• still in use