Russia has successfully resumed rocket launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, marking the first launch since the site suffered damage in November 2025. This was confirmed by the Russian space agency Roscosmos, which reported that on March 22, they launched the Progress MS-33, an unmanned cargo ship destined for the International Space Station (ISS). This event is significant because Site 31, the only operational launch pad for crewed missions to the ISS, had been out of commission following an accident that occurred during the Soyuz MS-28 launch.

The Soyuz MS-28 launch on November 27 resulted in the collapse of a movable servicing cabin essential for the preparation of crewed Soyuz and Progress missions. Although the Soyuz crew successfully docked with the ISS on that occasion, the damage to the servicing cabin left Russia with limited capabilities for future missions. The restoration of functionality at Site 31 is a major step for Russia’s space program, as it seeks to maintain its presence in human spaceflight operations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The successful launch of the Progress MS-33 demonstrates Roscosmos's ability to conduct missions despite previous setbacks. The agency's use of social media to share launch videos emphasizes transparency and engagement with the public, showcasing an operational return after a challenging period. The resumption of launches will likely enhance international cooperation in space endeavors, even as relations between Russia and other spacefaring nations grow increasingly complex.