UPDATE: Russia’s sole launchpad for crewed missions has suffered significant damage during a rocket launch, raising urgent concerns about future space operations. The incident occurred on November 27, 2025, when the Soyuz MS-28 lifted off from the Baikonur spaceport in Kazakhstan, sending three astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).
Footage released by Roscosmos, Russia’s space agency, shows parts of the launchpad collapsing into an exhaust trench, indicating a serious structural failure. The launch itself was successful, and all astronauts, including NASA astronaut Chris Williams and two Russian cosmonauts, are reported safe. However, the damage to the launchpad, identified as Site 31/6, has raised alarms about the future of Russian space missions.
According to initial reports, the service bay beneath the launchpad appears to have been dislodged during the liftoff. Video clips captured moments after the launch reveal charred debris scattered in the exhaust trench, signaling a possible explosion or severe structural collapse. This facility has been critical for manned spaceflights since its establishment in the 1960s.
The service bay, integral to the launchpad’s operations, houses essential equipment for rocket launches, including cabling and sensors. Its dislodgement could lead to extended downtime for repairs, with Roscosmos confirming that they are assessing the launch complex’s condition. The agency stated, “All necessary backup components are available for restoration, and the damage will be repaired soon,” but did not specify a timeline for repairs.
This incident is particularly concerning as Site 31/6 is Russia’s only operational launchpad for crewed missions. The other launch site, Gagarin’s Start, has been out of service since 2019 and was intended to be turned into a museum. Although Russia is developing a new spaceport, the Vostochny Cosmodrome, the required infrastructure for crewed launches remains incomplete.
Authorities and space enthusiasts are closely monitoring the situation as the damage could disrupt Russia’s ongoing commitment to manned space exploration. The implications of this incident extend beyond operational capabilities, affecting international partnerships and the future of human spaceflight from Russia.
As assessments continue and Roscosmos evaluates the extent of the damage, observers are left wondering: How will this impact Russia’s role in global space exploration? The urgency of repairs is paramount as the world watches closely for updates on this developing story.
