Soyuz Launch Triggers Major Damage to Baikonur's Only ISS Launchpad

A Soyuz rocket recently carried two Russian cosmonauts and a U.S. astronaut to the International Space Station for an eight-month mission. The launch took place from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, using Launchpad 31—the only one capable of handling both cargo and crewed flights to the ISS. However, the event caused severe damage to the launchpad infrastructure. During the launch, a mobile service tower was not properly secured. The force of the rocket’s engines sent it crashing 20 metres into the flame trench below, causing major structural damage. Roscosmos has promised quick repairs, but experts believe the destruction may be beyond fixing, leading to inevitable delays.

Regulations now demand a cargo mission to test the pad before any crewed launches can resume. The next Soyuz flight to the ISS was set for 21 December, but officials now expect a postponement. Even the next crewed mission, planned for mid-July 2026, faces uncertainty due to the launchpad’s condition. The incident casts doubt on Russia’s ability to maintain its ISS launch schedule. With repairs likely to take longer than hoped, upcoming missions may face significant setbacks. The damage also fuels broader concerns about Russia’s future involvement in the ISS programme.