Shagan’s primary interest to the US was due to the testing of advanced and secretive weapon projects. Missiles capable of stopping US nuclear strikes, powerful lasers 10 times more advanced than today’s technology, and anti-satellite weapons were all being developed and tested at Shagan. The US was particularly concerned about the development of anti-ballistic missile systems, like the A35 and A135, which were designed to defend Moscow.

The testing of aircraft was also a significant aspect of Shagan’s activities, with the 60th Mixed Test Aviation Division being established there. The base was home to a wide range of aircraft, from helicopters to fighters, bombers, and jamming planes. The site also played a crucial role in the development of anti-satellite weapons, including the powerful laser weapons, such as Omega and Tera 3. However, despite years of testing and development, both Omega and Tera 3 ultimately proved to be failures, and their development was discontinued.

Today, Shagan remains an active military base, albeit on a much smaller scale, with Russia still testing advanced anti-ballistic and anti-satellite systems, including the A235, which was used to shoot down a satellite in 2021. Despite its decline, Shagan still holds a degree of mystique, with many conspiracy theories surrounding its activities, including claims that it was used to test anti-satellite weapons that were used to target the Space Shuttle Challenger and even aliens.