Race Against Time: Repairing Russia's Vital Space Launch Pad

Work is underway to repair a damaged launch pad at the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, crucial for Russia's space program. The pad was damaged during a successful Soyuz MS-28 launch in November. Over 130 personnel are involved, aiming to restore functionality by February next year.

Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, announced on Tuesday that urgent repairs are being conducted on a crucial launch pad at Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. This facility is integral to Russia's space missions and is expected to be operational by February of the coming year.

The damage occurred in November when a Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft, which successfully transported two Russian cosmonauts and a NASA astronaut, took off. A subsequent inspection revealed significant harm to the pad, particularly its 'service cabin'. Repairs are necessary before the facility can resume launching missions.

Deputy General Director Dmitry Baranov reported that over 130 people are working on the repairs, utilizing double shifts from 8 a.m. to midnight. All required parts are on-site and ready for assembly, with rigorous testing planned once the new service cabin is installed. Roscosmos remains optimistic about meeting the timeline, anticipating the launch pad's readiness by late winter 2026.

(With inputs from agencies.)