**Title: Damage Reported at Baikonur Cosmodrome After Recent Space Launch**
**Summary:** Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, has indicated that the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the primary site for crewed space missions, has experienced damage following the launch of a spacecraft carrying both Russian and American astronauts. Officials are working quickly to implement necessary repairs.
On November 27, 2025, the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft successfully lifted off from Baikonur, taking Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Mikaev and Sergey Kud-Sverchkov along with NASA astronaut Chris Williams to the International Space Station (ISS). The launch occurred at 12:28 PM Moscow time.
**Successful Launch Amid Damage Concerns**
While the crew executed a successful docking with the ISS—confirmed through social media updates from the station—they reported no health issues during the mission. Nonetheless, initial assessments of the launchpad at Baikonur uncovered several areas of damage.
In a statement, Roscosmos confirmed the findings. “We are currently evaluating the condition of the launch complex,” the agency noted. “We have all the required materials on hand for repairs, and we anticipate addressing the damage promptly.”
However, some avid space fans and bloggers in Russia speculate that the damage might be more extensive than officially reported. Georgy Trishkin, a well-known rocket launch analyst, raised the possibility that certain service structures may have partially collapsed, which could hinder future launch operations for an uncertain timeframe.
Additionally, well-known space journalist Vitaly Egorov pointed out visible destruction during the live broadcast of the launch. He noted an unusual metallic structure in the gas exhaust area beneath the launch pad, suggesting a potential issue with the infrastructure.
**Historical Significance and Future Risks**
The damage sustained at Baikonur, integral for crewed missions, raises important concerns for the future of Russia’s space endeavors, especially if launch activities are temporarily suspended. Should this happen, it would be the first occurrence since 1961 that Russia could be left without the ability to send astronauts into space due to infrastructure concerns.
The Soyuz crew is scheduled to spend approximately 242 days aboard the ISS, engaging in various scientific studies and preparing for planned spacewalks before their expected return to Earth in July 2026.
Interestingly, despite the fraying relations between Russia and the United States stemming from geopolitical issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, space exploration remains one of the few areas where the two countries continue to collaborate. That said, Western nations have largely decreased their partnerships with Roscosmos in light of sanctions due to the conflict.
This event has spurred apprehension within the global space exploration community regarding the reliability and safety of Russia’s current space infrastructure.
