Russia has relaunched from its key ISS crewed launch pad for the first time since it was damaged in a November lift-off accident.
MOSCOW: Russia has resumed launches from a critical space facility damaged in an accident last year. Video from the Roscosmos space agency on Sunday showed the unmanned Progress MS-33 cargo ship lifting off from Site 31 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
This marks the first use of the pad since part of it collapsed during the Soyuz MS-28 crewed launch in November. “The flight is normal,” a Roscosmos commentator stated during the broadcast.
Site 31 had been Russia’s sole operational launch pad for crewed missions to the International Space Station. Its temporary loss prevented Russia from sending cosmonauts into space.
Repairs on the damaged section were completed earlier this month. The successful cargo launch is a significant step towards resuming regular crewed flights.
However, the US space agency NASA noted a minor issue with the Progress spacecraft. It posted on X that an antenna used for docking had not deployed as planned.
“All other systems are operating as designed, and Progress will continue toward its planned docking,” NASA wrote. The Baikonur Cosmodrome is located in Kazakhstan but leased by Russia until at least 2050.
Russia’s space programme, once a pioneering force, has faced multiple setbacks in recent decades. These include the loss of its first lunar lander in nearly 50 years in 2023.
The return to operations at Site 31 is crucial for maintaining Russia’s independent access to the ISS.