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Russian Launch Pad Damaged After ISS Mission Ascent
28 Nov
Summary
- A launch pad at Russia's main space complex sustained damage.
- The damage occurred during the successful launch of a Soyuz mission.
- Repairs could take over a week, potentially halting crewed launches.
A launch pad at Russia's primary space complex, Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, was damaged during the recent launch of the Soyuz MS-28 mission.
The spacecraft successfully carried two Russian cosmonauts and one American astronaut to the International Space Station, where they have safely boarded. However, post-launch inspections revealed damage to several elements of the launch pad, which is vital for supporting rocket launches and crew capsule access.
While Roscosmos has stated that repairs will be completed in the near future using available parts, Russian analysts warn that the repairs could extend to a week or more. This potential delay raises concerns about Russia's capacity to maintain its regular crew rotation and cargo flights to the ISS, as this is the only launch pad used for the program and is also slated for future use with Russia's Orbital Station.
