Russian Rocket Launch Pad Sustains Damage During Liftoff

Nov. 29 During Thursday's mission to the International Space Station, Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome sustained damage following the launch of a spacecraft carrying two Russian cosmonauts and one American astronaut. The Russian space agency Roscosmos, which leases the site from Kazakhstan, confirmed that an inspection after the launch revealed harm to the launch pad, according to CNN.

"We are currently evaluating the state of the launch complex," Roscosmos stated, adding that repairs are expected soon. The agency also noted that all necessary equipment and components for restoration are already on-site.

Video from the launch shows a service bay beneath the pad shifting as the Soyuz 2.1a rocket ignited its boosters, with part of the structure falling into a large exhaust trench, reports Business Insider. Russian media circulated footage capturing debris propelled into the air during liftoff. Additionally, Roscosmos released an aerial photograph showing scorched remains of a major structure within the exhaust trench.

The accident did not endanger the spacecraft's crew or cause any harm to the Soyuz MS-28 vehicle, which successfully reached and docked with the ISS on Thursday. Baikonur remains Russia's sole facility for sending human missions into space, but the pad suffered damage from the rocket's blast during this launch.

Author: Sophia Brooks