Russia's only active launch pad for cosmonauts damaged by Soyuz crew launch to International Space Station

Launch incident at Baikonur

The launch of the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan caused notable damage to Russia’s main crewed launch pad, which is currently the country’s only active site for sending cosmonauts into orbit. The rocket successfully carried two Russian cosmonauts and one NASA astronaut to the International Space Station, where the spacecraft later docked without issues and the crew boarded safely.

Nature and extent of damage

After liftoff, inspections at Baikonur revealed that several structural elements of the launch pad had been damaged, including parts of the support infrastructure that surrounds the rocket and provides access for the crew. Official statements noted that an assessment of the launch complex is underway, and early images and reports indicated collapsed or charred components in the exhaust trench beneath the pad.

Official response and repair plans

The Russian space agency Roscosmos stated that all necessary spare parts and materials are available and that repairs to the pad will begin promptly. Experts cited in Russian media suggested that the work could take at least a week and potentially longer, depending on the final technical evaluation of the damaged systems.

Impact on crewed missions

Because this pad is currently the only one Russia uses for crewed launches to the International Space Station, the incident temporarily limits the country’s capacity to send humans into space. Commentators warned that prolonged downtime could disrupt the regular cycle of crew rotations and cargo flights to the ISS if alternative facilities are not upgraded or brought online quickly.

Broader program implications

The damaged launch pad was also expected to support future missions to a planned Russian Orbital Station, making its loss especially sensitive for long-term human spaceflight plans. Analysts emphasized that Russia will need either rapid repairs or accelerated modernization of another launch site to maintain an independent crewed launch capability.

Russian officials have stressed that the crew of Soyuz MS-28 reached the International Space Station safely and that restoration of the Baikonur launch pad will be carried out “in the near future,” aiming to minimize delays for upcoming missions.

Author’s summary

A successful Soyuz flight to the ISS critically damaged Russia’s only active crewed launch pad, forcing urgent repairs and raising concerns about near-term human spaceflight and future station plans.

Space.com on MSN — 2025-11-28