Cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova before the launch on Vostok-6 spacecraft from Baikonur Cosmodrome
MOSCOW, October 16. The National Space Center (NSC) in the Russian capital is set to be named in tribute to Valentina Tereshkova, the pioneering woman who journeyed into space. This significant announcement was made today by the press service of the state corporation “Roscosmos.”
“The Roscosmos headquarters will officially adopt the honorary designation `National Space Center named after the world`s first female cosmonaut V. V. Tereshkova.` This directive was formally signed by Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin on October 16,” as detailed in the official statement.
Dmitry Bakanov, the Director General of Roscosmos, characterized the naming of the NSC as a momentous occasion for both the corporation and the citizens of Moscow. He underscored Valentina Tereshkova`s status as a living legend, noting her ongoing dedication to enhancing the social welfare of Russian citizens.
Bakanov further elaborated that Tereshkova continues to be an ardent supporter of the space industry, offering her assistance to cosmonauts and the Cosmonaut Training Center. She is actively involved in advocating for additional funding for astronaut development and the modernization of vital infrastructure, including social amenities.
The National Space Center, situated in Moscow`s Fili Park district, was ceremonially opened by Russian President Vladimir Putin on September 13, 2025. This state-of-the-art facility will bring together more than thirty enterprises from the space sector, encompassing design offices, advanced laboratories, and manufacturing capabilities. Adjacent to the center, a technopark is planned to host private space technology companies.
Roscosmos anticipates that the NSC will emerge as a prominent hub in Moscow, transforming the Filevskaya floodplain area into a vibrant “space quarter.” As part of the extensive infrastructure development project, two new bridges have already been constructed across the Moskva River: the Academician Korolev Bridge, which connects Shelepikhinskaya Embankment with the Filevskaya floodplain and the NSC, and the Gagarin Bridge, linking Myasishcheva Street with Projected Drive No. 1166.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth