Key Takeaways
- Russia’s primary launch pad for crewed missions is damaged, potentially halting human spaceflight for up to two years.
- The critical service cabin collapsed during the successful Soyuz MS-28 launch to the ISS.
- This marks an unprecedented disruption to Russia’s space program, which relies solely on the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
Russia faces a potential suspension of its human spaceflight program after significant damage was discovered at the Baikonur Cosmodrome launch pad. The incident occurred during the recent Soyuz MS-28 mission, which successfully carried two Russian cosmonauts and a NASA astronaut to the International Space Station on November 27, 2025.
What Happened to the Launch Pad?
Post-launch inspections revealed a critical failure: the movable servicing cabin, which provides crew access to the rocket, collapsed into the exhaust trench beneath the pad. This structure is essential for all crewed Soyuz and Progress spacecraft launches.
State space corporation Roscosmos confirmed damage to multiple elements of the launch complex. While they stated repairs would begin promptly with necessary parts in stock, independent experts warn the fix could take months or even up to two years.
Unprecedented Disruption for Russian Spaceflight
The Baikonur pad has been in continuous use for crewed missions since the 1960s. Since 2018, it has been Russia’s only active launch site for crewed flights to the ISS. This damage represents an unprecedented operational halt for Moscow’s space program.
What Happens Next?
With the service cabin out of commission, all planned Soyuz and Progress missions face indefinite delays. This has prompted speculation about Russia potentially accelerating the development of alternative sites like the Vostochny Cosmodrome or seeking deeper cooperation with international partners to maintain access to orbit.
Despite the launch pad failure, the crew aboard the ISS is reported safe and healthy. The incident underscores the challenges of maintaining aging space infrastructure and the geopolitical complexities of Baikonur, which is located in Kazakhstan but remains pivotal for Russian spaceflight.
