Home / Science / Russia's ISS Cargo Route Restored After Launch Pad Repair
Russia's ISS Cargo Route Restored After Launch Pad Repair
22 Mar
Summary
- A Soyuz rocket launched successfully from Baikonur cosmodrome.
- The launch pad was repaired after damage sustained last November.
- This restores Russia's sole capability for ISS crew and cargo.
Russia has resumed its vital access to the International Space Station (ISS) with a successful Soyuz rocket launch from Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. This marks the first launch from the facility since its primary launch pad was repaired.
The Soyuz-2.1a rocket, carrying the Progress MS-33 cargo spacecraft, lifted off at 1200 GMT on Sunday and successfully reached orbit. The spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the ISS on March 24.
The launch pad had been inoperable since November when damage occurred during the liftoff of a previous Soyuz spacecraft. Although the crew was unharmed and reached their destination, the incident left Russia without its sole method for transporting crew and supplies to the ISS for several months.
Despite the availability of other launch sites and cosmodromes, the specific launch pad at Baikonur is uniquely equipped for Soyuz rockets destined for the ISS. Its successful repair and operation are crucial for ongoing space station missions.
