Photographer Eric Lusito documents decaying Soviet scientific sites in new book

Photographer Eric Lusito's new book, 'Soviet Scientific Institutes', published by Fuel Publishing, visually explores abandoned and operational research facilities across former Soviet republics. The work captures the decline in scientific funding after the USSR's collapse, highlighting sites like a cosmic ray research centre in Armenia and a radar array in Ukraine. History professor Paul Josephson provides an introduction, contextualizing science as a key force in Soviet national identity. Lusito's images reveal the era's distinctive aesthetic, blending analogue technology with art and design elements. The book, priced at £26.95, combines urban exploration with historical documentation, offering a glimpse into communities once dedicated to 'Big Science' projects. Despite decay, some facilities remain active, with local myths surrounding their purposes, such as climate-altering weapons. The project underscores the intersection of Cold War militarism and utopian ambitions in Soviet science.