Russia left without access to ISS following structure collapse at Baikonur launch site

Tuesday, December 2, 2025 -On November 27, 2025, the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan — Russia’s main spaceport for crewed missions — experienced a serious accident. During the launch of the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft, the maintenance platform (service cabin) at Launch Pad Site 31/6 collapsed into the rocket’s exhaust trench. 

The structure, which is essential for preparing crewed rockets and fueling them before launch, was found lying upside‑down after the launch.

Crucially, Site 31/6 is currently the only operational Russian pad certified for human flights to the ISS — alternatives are either at unsuitable latitudes, not certified for crewed missions, decommissioned, or otherwise unavailable. Because of the damage, Russia cannot currently launch either crewed missions or cargo flights to the ISS.

Russian space authorities say spare parts are available and repairs will begin, but experts warn the restoration could take many months — possibly up to two years — before launches can resume. Until then, Russia’s human‑spaceflight capability to the ISS remains on hold.