A Soyuz rocket launched on Thursday, successfully transporting Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergei Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikayev, alongside NASA astronaut Christopher Williams, on an eight-month mission to the International Space Station. The crew arrived at the ISS without any issues.
However, the launch was marked by a significant ground event. At Site 31 of the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, ground systems experienced problems during the launch. Concerns arose when the Russian space corporation, responsible for Soyuz operations, issued a brief statement on Telegram minimizing these issues. The statement noted, "The launch pad was inspected, as is done every time a rocket is launched. Damage to several launch pad components was identified. Damage can occur after launch, so such inspections are mandatory worldwide. The launch pad’s condition is currently being assessed."
Despite the official statement, video footage revealed notable damage, with a large service platform appearing to have collapsed into the flame trench under the launch table. This platform, which weighs approximately 20 metric tons and allows pre-launch access to the rocket, seemed to be unsecured and was displaced by the rocket's thrust. A source described the situation, stating, "There is significant damage to the pad."
Russia has an array of launch pads across its territory and neighboring countries, such as Kazakhstan, once part of the Soviet Union. However, Site 31 at Baikonur remains the sole facility currently equipped for Soyuz rocket operations crucial for carrying cargo and crew to the space station, including the crucial Progress and Soyuz spacecraft.