Soyuz MS-28 Launch Success Amid Baikonur Pad Damage - Bio Points New

Soyuz MS-28 Launch Successful, But Baikonur Pad Damage Raises Concerns

On November 27, 2025, Russia’s Soyuz MS-28 launched successfully from Baikonur Cosmodrome, carrying two Russian cosmonauts, Sergey Makarov and Sergey Kovalyov-Sychev, and NASA astronaut Chris Williams to the International Space Station (ISS). The spacecraft docked safely, marking another milestone in the long-standing US-Russia space partnership.

However, post-launch inspections revealed serious damage to Baikonur’s launchpad at Site 31/6. The pad’s 20-ton service platform failed to lock properly, and rocket exhaust tore it loose, sending debris into the flame trench. Video footage from Roscosmos confirmed significant scorching and structural damage.

Roscosmos Response vs. Expert Analysis
Roscosmos has indicated that repairs will begin soon and that all spare parts are available. Nevertheless, space experts, including historian Anatoly Zak, estimate that a full restoration could take up to two years. Baikonur remains Russia’s only operational pad for crewed Soyuz missions, while the Vostochny site is not yet ready for human flights.

Future launches, including a Progress cargo mission on December 20, 2025 and the next crewed flight in July 2026, could face delays if the repairs extend beyond expectations. NASA may need to rely more heavily on SpaceX Crew Dragon missions during this period.

Strategic Importance of Baikonur
Baikonur is central to Russia’s human space program, with a legacy dating back to the Soviet era, including the launch of the first human into space in 1961. With geopolitical tensions and US sanctions, joint ISS missions remain a key symbol of international collaboration. Any disruption at Baikonur could affect scheduling, cost, and long-term planning for crewed missions.While the Soyuz MS-28 mission itself was a success, the launchpad damage highlights vulnerabilities in Russia’s space infrastructure. The coming months will test Roscosmos’ ability to maintain crewed operations, ensuring that ISS rotations continue smoothly while balancing international commitments.

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• Soyuz MS-28 – Russian Crew Mission – Biography Points