What would Russia's inability to launch crewed missions mean for ISS?

New ScientistMonday, December 1, 2025 at 8:00:58 PM
NeutralScience
What would Russia's inability to launch crewed missions mean for ISS?
  • Russia's only launch site capable of sending humans to orbit has sustained significant damage, potentially delaying crewed missions to the International Space Station (ISS) for up to two years. This incident raises concerns about the future of international cooperation in space exploration, particularly between Russia and NASA.
  • The inability to launch crewed missions could jeopardize Russia's role in the ISS program, which has been a cornerstone of international space collaboration. NASA's continued support for the ISS may be in question without Russian participation, impacting ongoing scientific research and missions.
  • This situation highlights the fragility of space infrastructure and the reliance on international partnerships for crewed spaceflight. The recent successful launch of a Soyuz spacecraft contrasts sharply with the current challenges, underscoring the unpredictability of space missions and the potential for operational disruptions in the future.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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