Soyuz MS-28 Launch Pad Accident Grounds Russia’s Human Spaceflight Program

Russia’s human spaceflight program faces a major setback after a launch-pad accident at Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The incident occurred during the lift-off of Soyuz MS-28 on 27 November 2025. The crew reached the International Space Station safely.A post-launch inspection revealed severe damage to the only launch complex Russia uses for crewed missions. This critical failure effectively halts Russia’s ability to send people to space from its own territory.

What Happened During the Launch

The Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft successfully launched and later docked with the ISS. It was carrying two Russian cosmonauts and one NASA astronaut.However, the immense force of the launch caused significant infrastructure damage. The large movable service structure, which provides final access to the rocket, collapsed into the flame trench below.

Why This Matters: Russia’s Only Crewed Launch Site Disabled

Site 31/6 at Baikonur is now out of service. It has been Russia’s sole active pad for human spaceflight since 2019.There are no ready backup pads for crewed spacecraft launches. Existing alternatives are configured only for cargo or satellite launches. That means Russia may be unable to send astronauts to space until repairs are completed. According to Reuters, this could be the first prolonged grounding of Russia’s human spaceflight program in decades.

Repair Timeline and What’s Next

The national space agency, Roscosmos, said that spare components are available. Repair work will begin soon.Yet space-flight analysts warn the damage is severe. Reconstruction and safety certification could take many months. Some estimates suggest a full recovery might take up to two years.

Implications for the ISS and Global Space Efforts

This incident creates immediate complications for the International Space Station. Future crew rotations and resupply missions using Russian vehicles are now in question.It also highlights the risks of aging space infrastructure. The Baikonur Cosmodrome, while historic, relies heavily on Soviet-era facilities. This event is a significant blow to Russia’s standing as a leading space power and may accelerate shifts in global space partnerships.

Guinea-Bissau Coup: Military Seizes Power and Suspends Election Results

The Soyuz MS-28 launch pad accident represents a pivotal moment for Russia’s space ambitions. The path to restoring its independent human launch capability remains long and uncertain. This grounding forces a major rethink of its space station logistics and international cooperation.

Info at your fingertips

What exactly was damaged at the launch pad?

The large movable service tower collapsed. This structure provides crew access to the Soyuz rocket before launch. It fell into the concrete flame trench designed to direct engine exhaust away during lift-off.

Are the astronauts from the Soyuz MS-28 mission stranded on the ISS?

No, they are not stranded. The crew can return to Earth as planned aboard their Soyuz capsule, which is docked at the station. The issue affects future launches, not the current return vehicle.

How long will the launch pad be out of service?

Official estimates are still being finalized. Independent analysts project repairs could take between 12 and 24 months. The timeline depends on the extent of the damage and the speed of reconstruction.

What does this mean for the International Space Station?

It disrupts the standard crew rotation schedule. NASA and other partners may need to rely more heavily on American commercial crew vehicles from SpaceX and Boeing for future astronaut transport to the station.

Can Russia use another launch site for crewed missions?

Not immediately. The other primary launch complex at Baikonur, Site 1, is currently undergoing modernization and is not ready for crewed flights. Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome lacks the necessary infrastructure for human launches.