Russia's Sole Method of Launching Manned Spacecraft Destroyed by Mistake

For the first time since 1961, a major malfunction at Russias main launch facility has left Roscosmos unable to send humans into space. Following the successful lift-off of the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft on November 27, 2025, a section of the launchpad collapsed. A service platform, which had not been properly secured, fell into the exhaust trench beneath it.

The space agency confirmed the incident and stated that an evaluation of the damage is underway. All necessary backup parts are available for restoration, and repairs will be carried out soon, Roscosmos announced.

The critical issue is that the damaged launchpad, Launch Pad 6 at Site 31 of the Baikonur Cosmodrome, is the only facility currently used by Roscosmos for manned missions. This significantly disrupts plans for upcoming flights, including those to the Russian Orbital Station. A subsequent launch was scheduled for December 20 from the same site, with the Progress MS-33 cargo spacecraft delivering supplies to the International Space Station (ISS).

The Soyuz MS-28 mission successfully transported three astronautstwo Russians and NASAs Chris Williamsto the ISS without complications. The crew was safely transferred to the station as planned.

Experts now question how long the repairs will take, with estimates ranging from months to potentially years. Russian space programs have already faced difficulties due to Western sanctions, which have restricted access to advanced technology and funding.

Anatoly Zak, a Russian space technology expert, warned that restoring Launch Pad 6 could take up to two years, and temporary solutions to support crewed launches may not be feasible during that period.

Other Soyuz launchpads exist at Baikonur, Plesetsk, and Vostochny Cosmodromes, but none currently support crewed missions to the ISS like Site 31/6 did. As a result, SpaceX remains the only company capable of transporting astronauts to the ISS until Roscosmos can restore or replace the damaged pad.

NASA is aware of the situation and is coordinating with international partners, though no official plans for future crewed flights from Russia have been confirmed. Previously, Russia considered withdrawing from the ISS around 20242025, a plan that may now gain renewed attention given the launchpad issues.

Meanwhile, NASA is continuing to work with Boeing to certify its Starliner spacecraft after previous delays, which extended astronaut stays on the ISS.

Author: Maya Henderson