Before a Soyuz launch Thursday someone forgot to secure a 20-ton service platform
A Soyuz rocket successfully launched on Thursday, carrying a trio of astronauts—Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergei Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikayev, along with NASA astronaut Christopher Williams—on an eight-month mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This launch marks another significant milestone in international cooperation in space exploration, as the astronauts aim to contribute to various scientific experiments and research aboard the ISS. Upon arrival, the crew reported no issues, underscoring the reliability of the Soyuz spacecraft in facilitating human spaceflight missions.
However, the launch was not without its challenges. Prior to liftoff, a serious issue arose with the ground systems at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, specifically at Site 31, where the rocket was processed. The Russian space corporation, Roscosmos, released a statement on social media platform Telegram addressing the situation. They confirmed that inspections of the launch pad, a routine procedure before any rocket launch, revealed damage to several components. While Roscosmos attempted to downplay the incident, stating that such damage can occur and inspections are mandatory, the situation raises questions about the safety and readiness of the launch infrastructure. The condition of the launch pad is currently under assessment, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by space agencies in maintaining the integrity of launch facilities.
This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in space missions, where even minor ground issues can have significant implications for safety and mission success. As the crew embarks on their eight-month journey, they will engage in a range of scientific activities, contributing to our understanding of space and its effects on human health. The collaboration between Roscosmos and NASA continues to be a vital aspect of advancing human presence in space, despite the challenges that arise during preparation and execution of missions.
A Soyuz rocket launched on Thursday carrying Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergei Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikayev, as well as NASA astronaut Christopher Williams, for an eight-month mission to the International Space Station. The trio of astronauts arrived at the orbiting laboratory without incident.
However, on the ground, there was a serious problem during the launch with the ground systems that support processing of the vehicle before liftoff at Site 31, located at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
In
a terse statement
issued Thursday night on the social media site Telegram, the Russian space corporation that operates Soyuz appeared to downplay the incident: “The launch pad was inspected, as is done every time a rocket is launched. Damage to several launch pad components was identified. Damage can occur after launch, so such inspections are mandatory worldwide. The launch pad’s condition is currently being assessed.”
Read full article
Comments
