Russia unable to send astronauts to space for the first time since 1961

Russia Faces Historic Halt in Manned Spaceflight

Damage to a Russian space launch facility has prevented Moscow from sending astronauts into orbit, marking the first interruption of its manned spaceflight program in more than sixty years.

Cause of the Suspension

According to reports, the Baikonur Cosmodrome site sustained technical damage that compromised safety, halting crewed launches. Russian space agency officials are assessing the timeline and scope of the repairs needed before resuming missions.

Historical Context

Since Yuri Gagarin’s pioneering flight in 1961, Russia—and previously the Soviet Union—has maintained uninterrupted human spaceflight operations. This newest suspension represents a rare pause in a streak that symbolized the nation’s scientific resilience and its role in global space exploration.

Future Prospects

Repair work is ongoing, but experts suggest the disruption could delay several upcoming missions and alter international collaboration schedules with partners such as NASA and ESA.

"This is a significant moment in Russian space history," said one analyst, highlighting how the pause underscores the aging infrastructure challenges faced by the program.

Author’s Summary:
Russia has paused manned space missions for the first time in decades due to damage at a key launch facility, ending a 60-year record of continuous human spaceflight.

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Newsweek Newsweek — 2025-11-28

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