Russia accidentally destroys its only working launch pad as astronauts lift off to ISS

A Soyuz rocket launch on November 27, 2025, carrying three astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) resulted in significant damage to Russia's only operational launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. This incident raises concerns about the future of crewed missions from Russia, as the launch pad is critical for such operations.
The damage to the launch pad jeopardizes Russia's ability to send astronauts to the ISS, potentially delaying future missions for up to two years. This setback could impact international collaborations in space exploration, as Russia has been a key player in crewed spaceflight for decades.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges within Russia's space program, particularly as it faces competition from other nations and private companies in the realm of space exploration. The situation also underscores the importance of maintaining infrastructure for international partnerships in space, especially as the ISS continues to host an increasing number of visiting spacecraft.

Russia accidentally destroys its only working launch pad as astronauts lift off to ISS