Russian Launch Site Mishap Leaves Country’s Space Program in Limbo

The New York TimesTuesday, December 2, 2025 at 8:45:31 PM
NegativeScience
Russian Launch Site Mishap Leaves Country’s Space Program in Limbo
  • A recent incident at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan has left Russia's ability to launch astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) in jeopardy. On November 27, a Soyuz spacecraft launched successfully, but the rocket's exhaust caused damage to a service platform, raising concerns about the infrastructure supporting future missions.
  • This development is critical for Russia's space program, as the Baikonur Cosmodrome is the country's only active launch site for crewed missions to the ISS. The damage to the launch pad could delay upcoming missions and impact international collaborations in space exploration.
  • The incident highlights ongoing challenges within Russia's space program, particularly regarding the reliability of its launch infrastructure. As the country navigates these setbacks, the broader context includes recent successful launches by international partners and the implications for global space cooperation, especially in light of the upcoming missions planned by other space agencies.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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