Russian human space launch capacity may be down for a while

[Micael]

This could make for some unanticipated changes in the near future. I guess it’s only SpaceX with Dragon that’s the human launch capacity for the ISS for now.

BREAKING: Russia has suddenly lost access to space

An accident at Baikonur has effectively deprived Russia of the ability to launch humans into space for the first time in 60 years.

During the launch of the Soyuz MS-28, the service tower collapsed at launch pad 31.

This is the only site from which crewed missions to the ISS can be launched. Footage from the broadcast shows the structure simply caving in.

According to The Insider, the tower was torn off by the exhaust plume of the rocket’s first-stage engine. The cosmonauts were unharmed, but part of the launch complex was destroyed and will require long-term repairs.

Analysts say launches of Soyuz and Progress spacecraft are now delayed indefinitely.

Space expert Vitaly Yegorov said that as of today, Russia “has lost the ability to send humans into space.”
Restoring the launch pad could take up to two years.

[Micael]

[Nightwatch2]

They can always contract with NASA, SpaceX or China

[Rocket J Squrriel]

More details at the Russian Space Web https://www.russianspaceweb.com/baikonur_r7_31.html

What seems to have crashed is the gantries but all the equipment that sits right under the rocket. Its suppose to pulled into protective covers before the launch it wasn't. It could also have been the locking mechanism failed due to lack of maintenance. Interesting the launch pad that has the equipment to support the Soyuz 2 version that is being used is in French Guiana at the mothballed launch complex..