Russia’s Only Astronaut Launchpad Damaged in Soyuz Liftoff

BREAKING: Russia’s sole launchpad for sending astronauts into space has suffered significant damage during a critical liftoff on November 27, 2025. The Soyuz MS-28 successfully launched three astronauts to the International Space Station, but the aftermath reveals a troubling scene at the Baikonur spaceport in Kazakhstan.

Official footage from Roscosmos, Russia’s space agency, shows charred debris scattered in the launchpad’s exhaust trench, indicating a potential structural collapse. This incident raises urgent concerns about future crewed missions, as the launchpad, known as Site 31/6, is the only operational facility for such launches in Russia.

The damaged launchpad reportedly lost its service bay, a crucial component that houses essential equipment and provides a workspace for technicians. Video evidence captures debris flying from the trench as the Soyuz rocket ignited its booster engines, suggesting an explosive event during liftoff. Fortunately, all three astronauts—two Russian cosmonauts and NASA’s Chris Williams—were unharmed in the launch.

Roscosmos confirmed the damage to state media but has yet to disclose the full extent of the destruction. “The launch complex’s condition is currently being assessed,” the agency stated. “All necessary backup components are available for restoration, and the damage will be repaired soon.” However, no timeline for repairs has been provided.

The significance of this incident cannot be overstated. With crewed space missions heavily reliant on the Baikonur facility, any delay in repairs could disrupt future launches. Site 31/6 has been operational since the 1960s, making it a vital part of Russia’s space exploration efforts.

Previously, Russia had an alternative launchpad, Site 1 or Gagarin’s Start, where the first human spaceflight took place. However, this site ceased operations in 2019, and plans to modernize it have stalled. Meanwhile, Russia is developing the Vostochny Cosmodrome, but infrastructure for crewed launches remains incomplete.

As the space community watches closely, the immediate impact of the launchpad’s damage continues to unfold. Authorities are under pressure to quickly assess and restore operations, given the historical significance of Baikonur and its role in human spaceflight.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as Roscosmos works to address the situation. The future of Russian space missions hangs in the balance as engineers evaluate the extent of the damage and the necessary repairs.