Russia Resumes Launches from Baikonur Cosmodrome’s Site 31 After Repairs
BAIKONUR COSMODROME, Kazakhstan – Russia successfully launched an unmanned Progress MS-33 cargo ship to the International Space Station (ISS) Sunday from Site 31 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, marking the first launch from the pad since damage sustained during a previous liftoff in November.
The launch signifies a crucial step in restoring Russia’s full operational capacity for crewed and cargo missions to the ISS. Site 31 had been Russia’s sole operational launch pad for human spaceflight following the November incident, which involved a partial collapse during the launch of the Soyuz MS-28 mission.
Roscosmos, the Russian state space agency, completed repairs to the damaged section of the launchpad earlier this month, according to agency statements. Video footage released by Roscosmos showed the Progress MS-33 lifting off without incident. “The flight is normal,” a Roscosmos commentator stated.
The Baikonur Cosmodrome, located in Kazakhstan, operates under a lease agreement with Russia extending to at least 2050. The resumption of launches from Site 31 is particularly significant given the broader context of Russia’s space program, which has faced challenges in recent years, including the loss of a lunar lander in 2023.
The Progress MS-33 is currently en route to the ISS, with docking expected in approximately 49.5 hours, according to reports. However, a separate issue has emerged with the new Russian spacecraft, requiring a manual docking procedure due to an antenna problem, as reported by Reuters.
This launch comes as Russia’s space industry navigates a complex geopolitical landscape and seeks to maintain its role in international space cooperation.
