Russia’s Roscosmos space agency announced on November 27 that the Soyuz MS-28 launch to the International Space Station caused significant damage to the Baikonur Cosmodrome’s launch pad in Kazakhstan. Multiple Russian media outlets confirmed the report, highlighting the incident as a concerning development for space operations. The damage allegedly occurred during the launch, which was intended to deliver a crew of three to the International Space Station. Roscosmos has not released detailed information about the extent of the damage or the potential impact on future launches.
The Baikonur Cosmodrome, located in Kazakhstan, has been a crucial site for Russian space missions for decades. It serves as the primary launch facility for the Soyuz rockets, which have been instrumental in sending both crew and cargo to the International Space Station. This incident raises concerns about the reliability and safety of the infrastructure that supports such critical space operations. Roscosmos has indicated that they are investigating the cause of the damage and assessing the necessary steps for repairs.
While the incident has not yet affected the overall schedule for current and future missions, there is a growing concern about the aging infrastructure at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The space agency is exploring options to modernize the facilities and ensure continued operational readiness. This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges associated with maintaining and upgrading space launch infrastructure, especially in a geopolitical context where space operations can have strategic implications.