Russia Restarts Flights from Repaired Baikonur Launch Pad, Sends Cargo to ISS

This Sunday, March 22, 2026, Russia successfully launched a Progress MS-33 cargo spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, marking the return to service of launch pad No. 31. The launch pad had been unusable since November following damage sustained during a previous launch Reuters.

Progress MS-33 Mission Details

The Progress MS-33, identified by NASA as Progress 94, launched at 1200 GMT (11:59:51 UTC) atop a Soyuz-2.1a rocket Wikipedia. The spacecraft is carrying fuel, water, and oxygen to the International Space Station (ISS). Docking with the Russian segment of the ISS is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 13:34 UTC, utilizing the Poisk zenith port Wikipedia.

Baikonur Cosmodrome Repairs

Launch pad No. 31 sustained significant damage during the launch of Soyuz MS-28, with the mobile service platform collapsing into the flame trench. Repairs took approximately four months to complete Wikipedia. The reopening of this site is strategically important as it is Russia’s only operational crewed launch facility.

Progress MS-33 Background

Progress MS-33 is the 186th flight of a Progress spacecraft Wikipedia. The mission was originally scheduled for late 2025 but was delayed due to the damage at Baikonur Wikipedia. The spacecraft has a launch mass of 7,280 kg (16,050 lb) Wikipedia.

Recent Developments

The launch follows a period of increased tensions and conflict in the region. Recent reports indicate continued Russian military activity in Ukraine, including missile and drone strikes AP News. A NATO delegation also visited Ukraine for the first time since 2022 to discuss future cooperation and training AP News.