"Russia's sole launchpad for sending astronauts into space suffered severe damage during a rocket blastoff on Thursday. Footage of the incident from Roscosmos, Russia's space agency, showed that part of the structure collapsed and fell into a large exhaust trench below. Roscosmos confirmed to state media on Thursday that the launchpad, located in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, had been damaged, but did not specify the extent of the damage."
"The launch itself, which sent a Soyuz spacecraft to the International Space Station, was successful, and none of the three astronauts on board were harmed. However, Roscosmos footage suggests that the service bay below the launchpad was dislodged as the Soyuz fired its booster engines on it. A video clip of the launch, published by state media, showed debris flying up from the trench as the rocket's exhaust plume flared, which could indicate an explosion or structural collapse."
Russia launched three astronauts aboard a Soyuz spacecraft to the International Space Station, and all crew members were unharmed. The sole crewed launchpad at Baikonur, Kazakhstan, sustained severe damage during the liftoff, with part of the structure collapsing into an exhaust trench. Official Roscosmos footage showed charred structural remains in the trench and debris erupting as the rocket's exhaust plume flared. Video suggests the launchpad's service bay, which houses cabling, sensors, and provides a technician work area near the rocket's tail, was dislodged by booster engine exhaust. Roscosmos said the launch complex condition is being assessed and that backup components are available, with repair time unclear.
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