Russia fixes launch pad damaged by Thanksgiving astronaut launch to the International Space Station

image via Space.com

March 4, 2026, 3:00 PM

• •Site 31, Russia's only pad for crewed launches, was damaged on Nov. 27.
• •Repairs involved replacing equipment and structures.
• •The launch pad is ready for the Progress MS-33 cargo spacecraft launch on March 22.
• •Leonard David is an award-winning space journalist.

Site 31, Russia's only launch pad supporting manned missions to the International Space Station, was damaged during a November 27 launch, causing it to be out of commission. The damage included several launch pad components and the service cabin. After extensive repairs by over 150 employees, including replacing equipment and repairing structures, Roscosmos announced the completion of the repairs on March 3. The launch pad is now set to host an uncrewed Progress MS-33 cargo spacecraft, scheduled for a March 22 takeoff to resupply the ISS.

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