The reference publication contains factual material about the events associated with the birth of the Vostochny cosmodrome, from the origin of the idea of building a new Russian cosmodrome in the Amur region to the decision on the start of its construction in the Amur region. The reference materials are presented in their time sequence. The chronicle of the birth of the Vostochny cosmodrome is presented through the eyes of a participant in the events. The author, by the nature of his activities in government bodies of the Amur region, dealt with the issues of creating a cosmodrome starting in 1997 until the issue of starting its construction was decided. The publication will be useful to specialists involved in the space industry and anyone interested in the history of the Vostochny Cosmodrome.