Russia has restored a key, damaged launch pad for Soyuz rockets at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to operational status. The state space corporation Roscosmos announced the completion of repairs. The pad, designated as launch complex No. 1 or the 'Gagarin's Start', was damaged during the failed launch of the crewed Soyuz MS-25 mission in October of last year. Its reactivation will enable Russia to resume crewed space flights from this historic cosmodrome, which is crucial for maintaining Russia's presence on the International Space Station.

Repair of Key Launch Pad

Roscosmos announced the completion of repairs to launch pad No. 1 at Baikonur, which was damaged during the aborted launch of the Soyuz MS-25 mission in October 2025. The pad is essential for conducting crewed Soyuz rocket launches.

Resumption of Crewed Flights

Restoring the pad to operational status means Russia can resume regular crewed space flights from Baikonur. This is crucial for fulfilling its obligations to the International Space Station (ISS).

Causes and Scope of Damage

Damage to ground infrastructure, including cooling and fuel supply systems, occurred after the launch vehicle's engines were automatically shut down tens of seconds before the planned launch. There was no rocket explosion.

Significance of Baikonur Cosmodrome

Baikonur, leased by Russia from Kazakhstan, remains the main center for Russia's crewed program. Its operation is a strategic priority for Moscow after losing access to other cosmodromes.

The Russian state space corporation Roscosmos announced the completion of repairs and the reactivation of a key launch pad for Soyuz rockets at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Launch complex No. 1, also known as 'Gagarin's Start', was seriously damaged on October 25, 2025, during the failed launch of the crewed Soyuz MS-25 mission. At that time, just tens of seconds before the planned liftoff, safety systems automatically shut down the launch vehicle's engines, causing damage to ground infrastructure, including cooling and liquid oxygen and hydrogen supply systems. Roscosmos emphasizes that the rocket itself did not explode and the crew remained safe. The Baikonur Cosmodrome, located on the steppe in Kazakhstan, was built by the Soviet Union in the 1950s and served as the main base for the Soviet, and later Russian, space program. It was from here that Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space, launched in 1961. After the dissolution of the USSR, Russia leases the facility from independent Kazakhstan. Despite the development of Russian cosmodromes on its own territory, such as Vostochny, Baikonur remains essential for the crewed program. Restoring the pad to a usable condition was a priority for Roscosmos, as it is the only infrastructure at Baikonur adapted for crewed Soyuz launches. Its immobilization for over four months forced Russia to use only the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Far East for uncrewed flights or to delay mission schedules. „All works have been completed on schedule. Launch pad No. 1 of the Baikonur cosmodrome is ready to receive the launch vehicle.” — Roscosmos Technical details regarding the scope of repairs and their costs have not been disclosed. Analysts note that the smooth operation of Baikonur has strategic importance for Russia not only scientifically but also politically, serving as a symbol of the continuation of the space power's legacy. The pad's reactivation will allow the resumption of crewed flights to the International Space Station (ISS) from this historic site, which is key to fulfilling Russia's obligations under international orbital cooperation.

Mentioned People

  • Jurij Gagarin — The first human in space, who launched from pad No. 1 at Baikonur in 1961.