Damaged launch pad: How long before Russia can send astronauts to the ISS again?

Space.comThursday, December 4, 2025 at 4:00:00 PM
NegativeScience
Damaged launch pad: How long before Russia can send astronauts to the ISS again?
  • A recent launch on November 27 resulted in damage to Russia's only active launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, which is critical for crewed missions to the International Space Station (ISS). This incident raises questions about the timeline for resuming manned spaceflights from Russia, as the damaged infrastructure directly impacts their ability to send astronauts into orbit.
  • The damage to the launch pad poses significant challenges for Russia's space program, which has been a key player in international space exploration. With the ISS currently hosting a record number of spacecraft, the inability to launch new missions could hinder Russia's participation in ongoing collaborative efforts in space.
  • This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the reliability of Russia's space infrastructure, especially as the ISS continues to evolve with increasing international collaboration. The recent welcoming of new astronauts aboard the ISS and the historic docking of eight spacecraft underscore the importance of maintaining robust launch capabilities to support future missions and partnerships in space exploration.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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