Satellite images released by NASA show a figure that resembles a snowman in one of the most remote corners of the Russian Arctic. The photo was taken on June 16, 2025, by the Operational Land Imager aboard the Landsat 8 satellite. However, the image is actually of a chain of frozen lagoons spread over an area of 22 kilometres near the village of Billings and Cape Billings on Russia’s Chukchi Peninsula. They occur in such a sequence and dimensions that it looks like a snowman. According to researchers, it is a result of natural geological processes, with ice, wind and water playing a role. The Landsat data shown in the photo is from the US Geological Survey.&nbsp;This area of Billings in Russia remains frozen for the majority of the year. The minimum temperature, even during June, stays below the freezing point. “Although June is one of the warmest months in Billings, ice cover is routine even then. Mean daily minimum temperatures are just minus 0.6 degrees Celsius (30.9 degrees Fahrenheit) in June,” according to met data. The frigid conditions give rise to certain phenomena that contribute to the formation of these frozen lagoons. In this case, five main lagoon basins are visible, each frozen and stacked to create a familiar structure.&nbsp;&nbsp;These are the result of what is known as "thermokarst" activity, where buried ice wedges melt and cause the overlying soil to collapse. Shallow depressions are created, which later fill up with meltwater. Wind and wave movement stretch the lake to create oval shapes. The boundaries between underground ice wedges are the thin ridges that appear in the image.&nbsp;Billings is a remote area in Russia that is hard to reach in both winter and summer. However, the cold months make for better access since the lakes and rivers freeze, creating a surface that can be used to move around. In the summer months, the ground thaws and waterlogging prevents easy movement. The only way to reach it is by a helicopter in summer and a snow road in winter. Billings is located on the coast of the East Siberian Sea and has a population of around 200 people. It is one of the few inhabited places in this region of Russia.&nbsp;

In a remote region of Russia, NASA satellites have captured what appears to be a snowman. Billings experiences freezing temperatures throughout the year. This snowman is a result of natural phenomena linked to the cold conditions.

Satellite images released by NASA show a figure that resembles a snowman in one of the most remote corners of the Russian Arctic. The photo was taken on June 16, 2025, by the Operational Land Imager aboard the Landsat 8 satellite. However, the image is actually of a chain of frozen lagoons spread over an area of 22 kilometres near the village of Billings and Cape Billings on Russia’s Chukchi Peninsula. They occur in such a sequence and dimensions that it looks like a snowman. According to researchers, it is a result of natural geological processes, with ice, wind and water playing a role. The Landsat data shown in the photo is from the US Geological Survey. This area of Billings in Russia remains frozen for the majority of the year. The minimum temperature, even during June, stays below the freezing point. “Although June is one of the warmest months in Billings, ice cover is routine even then. Mean daily minimum temperatures are just minus 0.6 degrees Celsius (30.9 degrees Fahrenheit) in June,” according to met data. The frigid conditions give rise to certain phenomena that contribute to the formation of these frozen lagoons. In this case, five main lagoon basins are visible, each frozen and stacked to create a familiar structure. These are the result of what is known as "thermokarst" activity, where buried ice wedges melt and cause the overlying soil to collapse. Shallow depressions are created, which later fill up with meltwater. Wind and wave movement stretch the lake to create oval shapes. The boundaries between underground ice wedges are the thin ridges that appear in the image. Billings is a remote area in Russia that is hard to reach in both winter and summer. However, the cold months make for better access since the lakes and rivers freeze, creating a surface that can be used to move around. In the summer months, the ground thaws and waterlogging prevents easy movement. The only way to reach it is by a helicopter in summer and a snow road in winter. Billings is located on the coast of the East Siberian Sea and has a population of around 200 people. It is one of the few inhabited places in this region of Russia.

In a remote region of Russia, NASA satellites have captured what appears to be a snowman. Billings experiences freezing temperatures throughout the year. This snowman is a result of natural phenomena linked to the cold conditions.

NASA captures a 'Siberian snowman' in remote Russian region from space

NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has captured dramatic evidence of young planets being destroyed around a nearby star. The observations reveal powerful stellar radiation tearing apart infant worlds, offering rare insight into how planetary systems evolve — and sometimes fail — in their earliest stages.

Hubble Telescope Reveals Aftermath of Planetary Smash-Ups

NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has captured dramatic evidence of young planets being destroyed around a nearby star. The observations reveal powerful stellar radiation tearing apart infant worlds, offering rare insight into how planetary systems evolve — and sometimes fail — in their earliest stages

Hubble Captures Infant Planets Being Destroyed Around Nearby Star

In two distant star systems, NASA’s Hubble Telescope has captured rare aftermaths of planetary collisions vast clouds of dust and debris marking the violent death of once-stable worlds. A cosmic story of destruction, rebirth, and the eternal struggle between creation and chaos.


NASA records planetary destruction: Death of worlds revealed

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order outlining space policy priorities for the next three years, calling for the return of American astronauts to the Moon by 2028 under the Artemis Program. The plan also envisions establishing a lunar outpost, deploying nuclear reactors on the Moon, expanding commercial launch services, and transitioning from the International Space Station to commercial space stations by 2030.

Trump Executive Order Sets Moon Return by 2028, Lunar Outpost and Nuclear Power Goals | WION

An interstellar object from another star system is passing Earth and it’s behaving in a way scientists didn’t expect. Its strange pulsing cycle, glowing green coma, and shifting rhythm have sparked global fascination. As telescopes capture its closest approach, this story explains what this comet is doing, why it matters, and what mysteries remain unanswered.

Mysterious 'Alien' Comet 3I/Atlas Reaches Closest Point to Earth

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to launch US firm AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird-6 satellite on Wednesday (Dec 24) &nbsp;from the second launchpad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The three-stage LVM3 rocket, the most capable space launch vehicle in India's fleet, is expected to liftoff at 8:54 am Indian time, carrying the 6,500kg BlueBird 6 to orbit(about 550 km above earth). This satellite would be the heaviest payload to be carried by an Indian rocket. LVM3 has a track record of delivering success in all its eight missions to date. &nbsp;&nbsp;This mission is being executed as part of a commercial deal between ISRO's business arm, NewSpace India Limited(NSIL,) and the Texas-based AST SpaceMobile. As a launch services provider(rocket builder and operator), ISRO launches foreign-origin satellites to space on a commercial basis. Facilitated by NSIL, these commercial space missions are like a taxi ferrying a passenger. In this case, the passenger is the US firm, which pays the Indian Government for the launch service. This is the third commercial mission of LVM3, and the first time that the Indian LVM3 rocket is executing the mission for an American customer. Earlier, it had executed two launches for a European customer, OneWeb(now Eutelsat OneWeb).<h2>About AST SpaceMobile and their internet-beaming satellites</h2>AST SpaceMobile is a Texas-based telecom company that aims to build and launch a fleet of satellites that can directly provide internet connectivity to mobile phones. Typically, only purpose-built satellite phones can facilitate satellite communication. These traditional satellite phone handsets are bulky and require visible antennas; they offer voice connectivity, and low-bandwidth texting and data services. Such services are offered by firms such as Iridium and Thuraya, among others. They are widely used in the defence and maritime sectors for providing connectivity where no communications infrastructure exists.&nbsp;Firms like AST and Starlink are attempting to change this by ensuring direct connectivity between smartphones and satellites. They intend to ensure that Android and Apple devices available in the market can communicate with the support of satellites, without any extra or special hardware. Thanks to the global coverage planned using a fleet of satellites, such services would eventually enable cell phone connectivity almost anywhere on Earth. In simple terms, one need not worry about being "not reachable" or "out of coverage area".&nbsp;As per reports, AST presently has a fleet of five first-generation (Block-1) satellites in orbit. The firm plans to launch a fleet of 45-60 second-generation (Block-2)satellites to offer services in major global regions, it is said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lightning-strikes-world-tallest-burj-khalifa-dubai-crown-prince-shares-dramatic-visuals-watch-1766144146883">Lightning strikes world tallest Burj Khalifa, Dubai Crown Prince shares dramatic visuals - WATCH</a>&nbsp;The firm has announced that they have a series of satellites that will be launched in the coming months. BlueBird 7 has shipped to the Cape Canaveral, Florida launch site this month, BlueBirds 8-16 are in various stages of production, with launches planned every 1-2 months on average during 2025 and 2026, the firm announced. &nbsp;&nbsp;They expect to have 45-60 satellites in orbit by year-end 2026. It is touted that these BlueBird satellites(by size) will be the largest commercial satellites ever deployed in Low Earth orbit (about 600kms above Earth). Each of these satellites would carry a 2,400-foot phased array antenna with true direct-to-cell broadband, with a claimed capability of up to 10,000 MHz of processing bandwidth and claimed peak speeds of 120 Mbps per cell.&nbsp;The firm says they have partnered with 50+ mobile network operators serving nearly 3 billion subscribers, "supported by a flexible spectrum strategy blending our own licensed spectrum with partner spectrum".&nbsp; &nbsp;

AST SpaceMobile is a Texas-based telecom company that aims to build and launch a fleet of satellites that can directly provide internet connectivity to mobile phones.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to launch US firm AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird-6 satellite on Wednesday (Dec 24) from the second launchpad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The three-stage LVM3 rocket, the most capable space launch vehicle in India's fleet, is expected to liftoff at 8:54 am Indian time, carrying the 6,500kg BlueBird 6 to orbit(about 550 km above earth). This satellite would be the heaviest payload to be carried by an Indian rocket. LVM3 has a track record of delivering success in all its eight missions to date. This mission is being executed as part of a commercial deal between ISRO's business arm, NewSpace India Limited(NSIL,) and the Texas-based AST SpaceMobile. As a launch services provider(rocket builder and operator), ISRO launches foreign-origin satellites to space on a commercial basis. Facilitated by NSIL, these commercial space missions are like a taxi ferrying a passenger. In this case, the passenger is the US firm, which pays the Indian Government for the launch service. This is the third commercial mission of LVM3, and the first time that the Indian LVM3 rocket is executing the mission for an American customer. Earlier, it had executed two launches for a European customer, OneWeb(now Eutelsat OneWeb). About AST SpaceMobile and their internet-beaming satellites AST SpaceMobile is a Texas-based telecom company that aims to build and launch a fleet of satellites that can directly provide internet connectivity to mobile phones. Typically, only purpose-built satellite phones can facilitate satellite communication. These traditional satellite phone handsets are bulky and require visible antennas; they offer voice connectivity, and low-bandwidth texting and data services. Such services are offered by firms such as Iridium and Thuraya, among others. They are widely used in the defence and maritime sectors for providing connectivity where no communications infrastructure exists. Firms like AST and Starlink are attempting to change this by ensuring direct connectivity between smartphones and satellites. They intend to ensure that Android and Apple devices available in the market can communicate with the support of satellites, without any extra or special hardware. Thanks to the global coverage planned using a fleet of satellites, such services would eventually enable cell phone connectivity almost anywhere on Earth. In simple terms, one need not worry about being "not reachable" or "out of coverage area". As per reports, AST presently has a fleet of five first-generation (Block-1) satellites in orbit. The firm plans to launch a fleet of 45-60 second-generation (Block-2)satellites to offer services in major global regions, it is said. Also Read: Lightning strikes world tallest Burj Khalifa, Dubai Crown Prince shares dramatic visuals - WATCH The firm has announced that they have a series of satellites that will be launched in the coming months. BlueBird 7 has shipped to the Cape Canaveral, Florida launch site this month, BlueBirds 8-16 are in various stages of production, with launches planned every 1-2 months on average during 2025 and 2026, the firm announced. They expect to have 45-60 satellites in orbit by year-end 2026. It is touted that these BlueBird satellites(by size) will be the largest commercial satellites ever deployed in Low Earth orbit (about 600kms above Earth). Each of these satellites would carry a 2,400-foot phased array antenna with true direct-to-cell broadband, with a claimed capability of up to 10,000 MHz of processing bandwidth and claimed peak speeds of 120 Mbps per cell. The firm says they have partnered with 50+ mobile network operators serving nearly 3 billion subscribers, "supported by a flexible spectrum strategy blending our own licensed spectrum with partner spectrum".

AST SpaceMobile is a Texas-based telecom company that aims to build and launch a fleet of satellites that can directly provide internet connectivity to mobile phones.

ISRO to launch US firm's Bluebird-6 satellite on December 24

US President Donald Trump wants NASA to present a plan to ensure America leads the space race. This includes returning astronauts to the moon, nuclear reactors in space and more. Here are the details of the “Ensuring American Space Superiority” order.

US President Donald Trump wants NASA to present a plan to ensure America leads the space race. This includes returning astronauts to the moon, nuclear reactors in space and more. Here are the details of the “Ensuring American Space Superiority” order.

Nuclear reactors, Golden Dome and more: How Trump wants US to win the space race

NASA's MAVEN spacecraft has been silent since December 4th after successfully capturing an image of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS just days before vanishing behind Mars. The orbiter which operated flawlessly for twelve years studying the Red Planet's atmosphere has suddenly stopped working.


NASA Probe Goes Dark After Close Encounter with 3I/Atlas

Mystery as NASA probe goes dark after close encounter with interstellar visitor nearing earth

Comet 3I/Atlas, often dubbed the “alien green comet,” is making a rare and historic flyby of Earth, drawing global attention from astronomers and skywatchers. Scientists say the comet’s unusual glow and trajectory make it a unique object of study.

This video explains where the comet came from, why it appears green, how close it will pass Earth, and what this rare event means for space research.

Comet 3I/Atlas Nears Earth For A Historic Flyby

Could a comet have guided the Magi 2,000 years ago? NASA scientist re-examines ancient Chinese records from 5 BC and uses rbital modelling to show a comet’s near pass could appear to hover just like the Star of Bethlehem described in the Gospel. Watch the video to know the fascinating details.


NASA uncovers 2,000-year-old mystery behind star of Bethlehem 

Astronomers made some stunning discoveries in the universe in 2025. From the oldest supermassive black hole, to an asteroid that is spinning against the laws of Physics, here are 10 such findings.

Astronomers made some stunning discoveries in the universe in 2025. From the oldest supermassive black hole, to an asteroid that is spinning against the laws of Physics, here are 10 such findings.

9 space discoveries of 2025 that stumped astronomers

NASA has recreated the comet believed to have inspired the biblical Star of Bethlehem. Using advanced simulations and astronomical data, scientists are uncovering what may have guided the Three Wise Men over 2,000 years ago.


NASA Scientist Recreates Comet That Guided the Magic

A NASA astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts have safely returned to Earth following a mission that covered roughly 168 million kilometers. 

NASA, Russian Crew Returns to Earth After Epic 168 Million Kilometer Journey 

A NASA astronaut and two cosmonaut crewmates strapped into their Soyuz ferry ship Monday evening, undocked from the International Space Station and plunged to an on-target landing on the frigid steppe of Kazakhstan early Tuesday to wrap up an eight-month mission.


NASA astronaut, 2 Russian cosmonauts back on Earth

NASA cracks the code of the star of Bethlehem, scientist recreates comet that guided the magi 

A major burst of solar material is on track to reach Earth soon, according to an alert from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center. Forecasters say a coronal mass ejection, an enormous release of plasma and magnetic energy from the Sun’s outer layers, is expected to arrive sometime between early morning and midday Tuesday. The eruption, tied to an M8.1-class solar flare, may trigger heightened geomagnetic activity and could escalate to a G3-level storm, which ranks as “strong” on NOAA’s Space Weather Scale.&nbsp;A storm of this strength can lead to minor to moderate technological disturbances, including issues with satellites, radio signals, and other communication systems. The surge in solar energy may also intensify auroras, potentially pushing the northern lights farther south than usual. NOAA notes that many northern states and portions of the lower Midwest and Pacific Northwest, including areas as far south as Oregon, could catch a rare glimpse.<h2>What is space weather?</h2>While we normally think of weather as atmospheric conditions like precipitation or sunshine, a different kind of weather exists beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Space weather describes the environmental conditions throughout space, largely generated by the Sun, and how those conditions influence planets, spacecraft, and the thousands of satellites circling Earth, as explained by NASA.&nbsp;The Sun continually releases streams of charged particles, bursts of radiation, and periodic explosive eruptions that can disturb Earth’s magnetic environment when they arrive. Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere block most dangerous effects, but not all solar activity is fully deflected. One of the most famous results of the solar wind interacting with Earth’s magnetic field is the creation of auroras, including the vibrant northern lights.&nbsp;However, strong solar activity can also be disruptive, posing risks to technologies such as communication networks, GPS systems, satellites, and even electrical infrastructure, NOAA warns.

NOAA warns of potent geomagnetic storm on Tuesday: Here’s what could happen

A major burst of solar material is on track to reach Earth soon, according to an alert from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center. Forecasters say a coronal mass ejection, an enormous release of plasma and magnetic energy from the Sun’s outer layers, is expected to arrive sometime between early morning and midday Tuesday. The eruption, tied to an M8.1-class solar flare, may trigger heightened geomagnetic activity and could escalate to a G3-level storm, which ranks as “strong” on NOAA’s Space Weather Scale. A storm of this strength can lead to minor to moderate technological disturbances, including issues with satellites, radio signals, and other communication systems. The surge in solar energy may also intensify auroras, potentially pushing the northern lights farther south than usual. NOAA notes that many northern states and portions of the lower Midwest and Pacific Northwest, including areas as far south as Oregon, could catch a rare glimpse. What is space weather? While we normally think of weather as atmospheric conditions like precipitation or sunshine, a different kind of weather exists beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Space weather describes the environmental conditions throughout space, largely generated by the Sun, and how those conditions influence planets, spacecraft, and the thousands of satellites circling Earth, as explained by NASA. The Sun continually releases streams of charged particles, bursts of radiation, and periodic explosive eruptions that can disturb Earth’s magnetic environment when they arrive. Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere block most dangerous effects, but not all solar activity is fully deflected. One of the most famous results of the solar wind interacting with Earth’s magnetic field is the creation of auroras, including the vibrant northern lights. However, strong solar activity can also be disruptive, posing risks to technologies such as communication networks, GPS systems, satellites, and even electrical infrastructure, NOAA warns.

A strong solar eruption is expected to hit Earth on Tuesday (December 9), potentially causing tech disturbances and expanding northern lights visibility across more US regions

A Nasa astronomer has uncovered what he describes as the first scientifically-grounded explanation for the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the Three Wise Men to the birth of Jesus more than 2,000 years ago.


NASA's breakthrough on 2,000-year-old mystery behind the star of Bethlehem

A comet from another star system is making a fleeting pass through our cosmic neighbourhood. NASA’s Hubble and ESA’s Juice spacecraft have captured stunning new images of comet 3I/Atlas glowing, jetting and speeding at 130,000 mph. As it nears its closest approach on December 19, the world’s telescopes are watching one last time before this alien traveller disappears forever.

3I/ATLAS Getting Active Ahead of Its Close Encounter With Earth

From SpaceX’s Super Heavy to NASA’s SLS are pushing launch power to record levels. SpaceX's Super Heavy generates 16.7 million pounds thrust, world's most powerful rocket. Saturn V delivered 7.5 million pounds during Apollo missions. SLS produces 8.8 million pounds thrust. 


From SpaceX’s Super Heavy to NASA’s SLS are pushing launch power to record levels. SpaceX's Super Heavy generates 16.7 million pounds thrust, world's most powerful rocket. Saturn V delivered 7.5 million pounds during Apollo missions. SLS produces 8.8 million pounds thrust.&nbsp;

‘Ranked by thrust’: Top 10 most powerful rockets ever built

NASA's Warning: NASA has issued a warning that the rapidly increasing number of satellites in low-Earth orbit poses a significant threat to space telescopes, contaminating their images with reflected light and streaks. 

NASA's Warning: Satellite Surge Could Ruin Space Telescope Images

The recent blow to the only launch pad Russia uses to launch humans into space has put a question mark on its cooperation with NASA to keep the International Space Station staffed and working. On November 27, the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan was damaged following the Soyuz MS-28 launch, which sent Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev, alongside NASA astronaut Chris Williams, to the International Space Station (ISS). However, an inspection that followed protocol found that the platform was damaged. Reports suggest the service platform used to access rockets' engines fell into the "flame trench" below. Roscosmos did not confirm the exact nature of the damage, and said in a statement that the damage was "currently being assessed" and would be "repaired shortly."&nbsp;Roscosmos has not provided a timeline for the repairs. Until the launch pad is fixed, Russia cannot carry out any crewed launches to the ISS since this is the only workable base it has for such missions. NASA has also confirmed the problem, since the two countries work together to staff the space station. "NASA coordinates closely with its international partners, including Roscosmos, for the safe operations of the International Space Station and its crew members," a spokesperson for the American space agency told Futurism.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/russia-left-without-crew-launch-pad-for-first-time-in-nearly-70-years-after-damage-at-baikonur-1764645682574">Russia loses human-spaceflight capability for first time in nearly 70 years — Details</a><h2> Could Russia choose not to fix the Baikonur launch pad?</h2>Now, experts are doubtful about how soon, and whether, Russia would fix the base at Baikonur. The United States and Moscow have been at loggerheads over the Ukraine war. But the two countries have remained committed to working together on staffing the space station. Now that Russia's base in Kazakhstan is damaged, the Soyuz capsules cannot be used to launch astronauts to the ISS. The only other currently available method is SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft.The Baikonur Cosmodrome was constructed in the late 1950s. After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan loaned the site to Russia for around $115 million a year.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/133-light-years-away-astronomers-may-have-spotted-a-monster-exomoon-for-the-first-time-1764661915304">133 light-years away, astronomers may have spotted a ‘monster’ exomoon for the first time</a>&nbsp;In the past, Russia has shown hesitation to continue with its commitment to keep the space station running. In 2021, the then deputy prime minister of the country, Yury Borisov, announced that Russia may decide if sending cosmonauts to the space outpost may no longer be worth it, according to The Moscow Times. “We need a technical inspection at the station to avoid any risks in the event of an emergency. We will make a decision based on the results and honestly notify our partners," Borisov’s office told the state-run TASS news agency. He was also the General Director of Roscosmos from 2022 to 2025. However, in late 2024, he confirmed that Russia would be supporting operations at least until 2028. Notably, NASA is committed to keeping the ISS running till 2030, after which it will de-orbit the space laboratory.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/asteroid-bennu-carries-the-building-blocks-of-happiness-nasa-finds-1764650332764">Universe makes us happy, quite literally: NASA finds ‘Happy Hormone’ molecule in asteroid Bennu</a>&nbsp;<h2>When a former Roscosmos chief threatened to drop ISS on US, India or China</h2>Dmitry Rogozin, who was the chief of Roscosmos from May 2018 to July 2022, once threatened to crash the ISS over the US or Europe, even mixing in India and China into the threats. Hitting back at the sanctions slapped on Russia after the start of the Ukraine war, he wrote on X that the 500-ton structure could fall onto any country. He questioned, "Who will save the ISS from an uncontrolled deorbit and fall into the United States or Europe?" "There is also the option of dropping a 500-ton structure to India and China. Do you want to threaten them with such a prospect?"&nbsp;Voyager Technologies senior official Jeff Manber told the New York Times, It's going to be "interesting" to see “how committed is the Russian leadership to fixing that launchpad and continuing the contributions to the International Space Station program?”

NASA has confirmed that the launchpad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan used by Russia is damaged. This means it would not be able to launch astronauts to the space station until it is fixed. Is there a possibility that Russia chooses not to fix it at all and abandons the ISS?

The recent blow to the only launch pad Russia uses to launch humans into space has put a question mark on its cooperation with NASA to keep the International Space Station staffed and working. On November 27, the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan was damaged following the Soyuz MS-28 launch, which sent Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev, alongside NASA astronaut Chris Williams, to the International Space Station (ISS). However, an inspection that followed protocol found that the platform was damaged. Reports suggest the service platform used to access rockets' engines fell into the "flame trench" below. Roscosmos did not confirm the exact nature of the damage, and said in a statement that the damage was "currently being assessed" and would be "repaired shortly." Roscosmos has not provided a timeline for the repairs. Until the launch pad is fixed, Russia cannot carry out any crewed launches to the ISS since this is the only workable base it has for such missions. NASA has also confirmed the problem, since the two countries work together to staff the space station. "NASA coordinates closely with its international partners, including Roscosmos, for the safe operations of the International Space Station and its crew members," a spokesperson for the American space agency told Futurism. Also Read: Russia loses human-spaceflight capability for first time in nearly 70 years — Details Could Russia choose not to fix the Baikonur launch pad? Now, experts are doubtful about how soon, and whether, Russia would fix the base at Baikonur. The United States and Moscow have been at loggerheads over the Ukraine war. But the two countries have remained committed to working together on staffing the space station. Now that Russia's base in Kazakhstan is damaged, the Soyuz capsules cannot be used to launch astronauts to the ISS. The only other currently available method is SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. The Baikonur Cosmodrome was constructed in the late 1950s. After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan loaned the site to Russia for around $115 million a year. Also Read: 133 light-years away, astronomers may have spotted a ‘monster’ exomoon for the first time In the past, Russia has shown hesitation to continue with its commitment to keep the space station running. In 2021, the then deputy prime minister of the country, Yury Borisov, announced that Russia may decide if sending cosmonauts to the space outpost may no longer be worth it, according to The Moscow Times. “We need a technical inspection at the station to avoid any risks in the event of an emergency. We will make a decision based on the results and honestly notify our partners," Borisov’s office told the state-run TASS news agency. He was also the General Director of Roscosmos from 2022 to 2025. However, in late 2024, he confirmed that Russia would be supporting operations at least until 2028. Notably, NASA is committed to keeping the ISS running till 2030, after which it will de-orbit the space laboratory. Also Read: Universe makes us happy, quite literally: NASA finds ‘Happy Hormone’ molecule in asteroid Bennu When a former Roscosmos chief threatened to drop ISS on US, India or China Dmitry Rogozin, who was the chief of Roscosmos from May 2018 to July 2022, once threatened to crash the ISS over the US or Europe, even mixing in India and China into the threats. Hitting back at the sanctions slapped on Russia after the start of the Ukraine war, he wrote on X that the 500-ton structure could fall onto any country. He questioned, "Who will save the ISS from an uncontrolled deorbit and fall into the United States or Europe?" "There is also the option of dropping a 500-ton structure to India and China. Do you want to threaten them with such a prospect?" Voyager Technologies senior official Jeff Manber told the New York Times, It's going to be "interesting" to see “how committed is the Russian leadership to fixing that launchpad and continuing the contributions to the International Space Station program?”

NASA has confirmed that the launchpad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan used by Russia is damaged. This means it would not be able to launch astronauts to the space station until it is fixed. Is there a possibility that Russia chooses not to fix it at all and abandons the ISS?

After Baikonur accident, could Russia choose to abandon the ISS? Here's what it said in the past

Voyager 1 warmed its cameras for three hours before taking the photos. Earth’s image was recorded at 04:48 GMT on February 14, 1990, just 34 minutes before the spacecraft powered off its cameras permanently.

Voyager 1 warmed its cameras for three hours before taking the photos. Earth’s image was recorded at 04:48 GMT on February 14, 1990, just 34 minutes before the spacecraft powered off its cameras permanently.

The Pale Blue Dot: How one image taken from 3.7 billion miles away proved Earth is a speck in space

NASA has released stunning footage of the Northern Lights captured from space by astronaut Zena Cardman.

NASA Releases Video of Northern Lights from Space; Footage Captured by Astronaut Zena Cardman

NASA’s Perseverance rover has discovered an unusual, metal-rich rock on the surface of Mars, sparking curiosity among scientists. This video explores what makes the rock unique, how it could have formed, and what the finding means for future Mars research.

Perseverance Rover Spots an Unusual, Metal-Heavy Rock on Mars

NASA's Perseverance rover spotted a strange-looking rock on Mars that didn't belong there. It ran some scans, and the data revealed that it didn't come from the Red Planet but some other far-off point in space. Is it a meteorite?


NASA Identifies Rare Iron-Nickel Meteorite in Jezero Crater on Mars 

A gripping breakdown of asteroid 2024 YR4, rising lunar impact odds, and NASA's bold, controversial nuclear proposal to save the moon from a city-killer rock hurtling through space.


Nasa May Use Nukes to Stop Moon-bound Asteroid 

A gripping breakdown of asteroid 2024 YR4, rising lunar impact odds, and NASA's bold, controversial nuclear proposal to save the moon from a city-killer rock hurtling through space.

Nasa May Use Nukes to Stop Moon-bound Asteroid

NASA is reportedly exploring a nuclear-powered plan to stabilize the Moon as fears grow about a potential lunar crash scenario that could endanger Earth’s satellite network.

NASA’s Nuclear Plan to Save the Moon & Protect Earth’s Satellites

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NASA captures a 'Siberian snowman' in remote Russian region from space

Hubble Telescope Reveals Aftermath of Planetary Smash-Ups

Hubble Captures Infant Planets Being Destroyed Around Nearby Star

Hubble Captures Infant Planets Being Destroyed Around Nearby Star

NASA records planetary destruction: Death of worlds revealed

Trump Executive Order Sets Moon Return by 2028, Lunar Outpost and Nuclear Power Goals | WION

Mysterious 'Alien' Comet 3I/Atlas Reaches Closest Point to Earth

ISRO to launch US firm's Bluebird-6 satellite on December 24

Nuclear reactors, Golden Dome and more: How Trump wants US to win the space race

NASA Probe Goes Dark After Close Encounter with 3I/Atlas

Mystery as NASA probe goes dark after close encounter with interstellar visitor nearing earth

Comet 3I/Atlas Nears Earth For A Historic Flyby

NASA uncovers 2,000-year-old mystery behind star of Bethlehem

9 space discoveries of 2025 that stumped astronomers

NASA Scientist Recreates Comet That Guided the Magic

NASA, Russian Crew Returns to Earth After Epic 168 Million Kilometer Journey

NASA astronaut, 2 Russian cosmonauts back on Earth

NASA cracks the code of the star of Bethlehem, scientist recreates comet that guided the magi

NOAA warns of potent geomagnetic storm on Tuesday: Here’s what could happen

NASA's breakthrough on 2,000-year-old mystery behind the star of Bethlehem

3I/ATLAS Getting Active Ahead of Its Close Encounter With Earth

‘Ranked by thrust’: Top 10 most powerful rockets ever built

NASA's Warning: Satellite Surge Could Ruin Space Telescope Images

After Baikonur loss, could Russia abandon ISS? Here's what it said in the past

The Pale Blue Dot: How one photograph proved Earth is just a speck in space

NASA Releases Video of Northern Lights from Space; Footage Captured by Astronaut Zena Cardman