Recent reports indicate that the Baikonur Cosmodrome, specifically Launch Pad 6 at Site 31 (Site 31/6), has suffered damage following the launch of the latest crew to the International Space Station (ISS). This incident raises concerns about the facility's ability to support upcoming missions to the ISS.
The launch, which took place on November 27, involved a Soyuz-2.1a rocket carrying the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft. While the launch itself was successful, and the spacecraft safely reached the space station, post-launch assessments revealed damage to the launch pad. According to images from a Roscosmos video feed, a service platform in the base of the pad was not properly secured and subsequently fell into the flame trench below.
"The launch pad was inspected, as is done every time a rocket is launched. Damage to several launch pad components was identified," Roscosmos stated in a translated statement on social media. "The condition of the launch pad is currently being assessed." While the statement acknowledged the damage, it did not provide specific details. Roscosmos suggested that repairs could be completed quickly, stating, "All necessary spare components are available for repair, and the damage will be repaired shortly."
However, independent experts express more caution. Anatoly Zak, a specialist in Russian space activities, estimates that repairing the platform could take up to two years. He also questioned whether a temporary solution could be implemented to allow launches to continue in the meantime.
Site 31/6 holds particular significance as the only facility currently configured to support both Progress and Soyuz spacecraft launches to the ISS. The potential unavailability of the pad for an extended period raises concerns regarding Russia's capacity to support ISS operations, including crew rotations. A NASA spokesperson stated on November 28, "NASA coordinates closely with its international partners, including Roscosmos, for the safe operations of the International Space Station and its crew members," deferring questions about the pad to Roscosmos.
The next scheduled launch from Site 31/6 is planned for December 20 (U.S. time), involving a Soyuz-2.1a rocket carrying the Progress MS-33 cargo spacecraft to the ISS. The next crewed mission from the pad is currently projected for July 2026.