Baikonur Cosmodrome Launch Pad Fully Restored Ahead of Progress MS-33 Mission

The launch pad at Baikonur Cosmodrome, known as Site 31/6, has been fully restored following significant damage incurred during a crewed Soyuz mission last year, according to a statement from Roscosmos, Russia’s space agency. The successful completion of repairs has cleared the way for the launch of the Progress MS-33 cargo flight to the International Space Station (ISS), which is set for March 22, 2026.

The problems began on November 27, 2025, when a Soyuz-2.1a rocket took off from Site 31, carrying the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft. Onboard were cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikayev from Roscosmos, along with NASA astronaut Christopher Williams. The mission went smoothly, culminating in a successful docking with the ISS that commenced an eight-month journey for the crew. However, subsequent assessments revealed significant damage to the launch pad, as aerial surveys indicated that the service cabin, a vital infrastructure component, had collapsed into the flame trench beneath it.

The service cabin, which is approximately 19 meters by 19 meters and weighs around 17 tonnes, is designed to facilitate access to the rocket’s engines and systems prior to launch. After retraction into a protective cavity, it failed to remain secure, allowing the intense rocket exhaust to dislodge it. The collapse resulted in deformation of the surrounding structures, raising concerns about the operational capability of Site 31/6, the only pad in Russia configured for crewed Soyuz launches and Progress missions.

In response to the incident, Roscosmos promptly acknowledged the damage and initiated repair efforts using available spare parts. While skepticism regarding the timeline lingered within the space community due to the extensive nature of the repairs, Roscosmos leveraged its experience with the Soyuz system, using spare service cabins from earlier refurbishment projects dating back to the 1970s. However, replacing the service cabin posed significant engineering challenges, requiring modifications to accommodate contemporary specifications.

The restoration process involved over 150 workers, who undertook a comprehensive overhaul of the site. Their tasks included preparing and painting over 2,350 square meters of structures, replacing all fasteners, fully updating the electrical systems, and performing more than 250 meters of welding. Remarkably, the repairs were completed in less than two months, exceeding many expectations. Roscosmos confirmed that the pad was once again fully operational.

The upcoming Progress MS-33 mission will serve as a test flight for the refurbished pad. Scheduled to launch at approximately 11:59 UTC, the uncrewed spacecraft will transport about 2.5 tons of supplies to the ISS, including propellant for refueling, food, water, scientific equipment, and personal parcels for the crew. As launch preparations accelerate, teams are expected to conduct thorough checks on the new securing mechanisms of the service cabin to prevent similar issues in the future. This flight is an important step in resuming regular Russian logistics operations for the ISS, ensuring continued crew rotations and cargo deliveries from Baikonur.