Russia accidentally destroys its only working launch pad as astronauts lift off to ISS
SMRTR summary
Russia's only working launch pad at Baikonur Cosmodrome sustained significant damage during a November 27 Soyuz rocket launch carrying three astronauts to the International Space Station, after a 22-ton service platform fell into the flame trench beneath the pad. This has left Russia unable to launch humans into space for the first time since 1961, as Site 31/6 was their sole operational crewed launch facility. The incident threatens upcoming missions, including a December supply run and future ISS launches, while Russia races to repair the pad or retrofit another facility.
SMRTR provides this summary for quick context. The original article belongs to Live Science.
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