space
Before a Soyuz launch Thursday someone forgot to secure a 20-ton service platform
“We are going to learn just how important the ISS is to leadership.”
TL;DR
- A Soyuz rocket launched successfully to the ISS, but experienced ground system issues during liftoff at Baikonur Cosmodrome's Site 31.
- Video shows substantial damage, including a 20-ton service platform falling into the flame trench.
- Site 31 is the only pad currently configured for Soyuz and Progress launches critical to the ISS.
- Roscosmos is downplaying the damage and states repairs will be made, but the war in Ukraine may impact resource availability.
- The incident raises concerns about Russia's commitment to the ISS partnership and could put further pressure on SpaceX's launch capabilities.