UPDATE: Russia’s sole launchpad for sending astronauts into space has suffered severe damage during a critical rocket launch on November 27, 2025. The Soyuz MS-28 successfully lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, but the launchpad experienced catastrophic damage, raising urgent concerns over future crewed missions.
Officials from Roscosmos, Russia’s space agency, confirmed that the launchpad’s service bay was dislodged during liftoff, leading to structural failures. Footage released by Roscosmos shows significant debris in the exhaust trench, indicating a possible explosion or collapse at the site.
The launch was successful, transporting NASA astronaut Chris Williams and two Russian cosmonauts to the International Space Station. Fortunately, all crew members are reported safe. However, the incident poses a substantial threat to Russia’s manned space program, as Site 31/6 at Baikonur is the country’s only operational launchpad for crewed missions.
Roscosmos did not specify the extent of the damage, but initial assessments show that critical infrastructure is compromised. The service bay, a vital platform housing essential cabling, sensors, and technician work areas, is crucial for the operation of the launchpad. “The launch complex’s condition is currently being assessed,” Roscosmos stated, assuring that all necessary components for repair are available.
This incident raises alarms about the future of Russian space endeavors. The Baikonur spaceport, which has been operational since the 1960s, has limited alternatives for crewed launches. While there is another pad known as Site 1, historically significant as the launch site for Yuri Gagarin, it was decommissioned in 2019 and is now slated for conversion into a museum.
The implications of this damage are severe. With international collaborations increasing, Russia’s ability to maintain a reliable crewed launch facility is now in jeopardy. Additionally, the Vostochny Cosmodrome, Russia’s new spaceport under construction, is still lacking infrastructure for crewed missions.
As the situation develops, the international community is watching closely. The future of Russian space exploration hangs in the balance, and further updates from Roscosmos are anticipated. The urgency of restoring the launchpad is paramount, as space missions rely on this critical facility.
Stay tuned for more immediate updates on this breaking story. The condition of Russia’s space capabilities remains a crucial point of interest for space enthusiasts and stakeholders worldwide.