What Happened
Russian Military Space Capabilities Face Significant Disruption
A recent strike by Ukraine’s FP-5 Flamingo missiles reportedly hit the Progress Rocket Space Centre in Samara, Russia, where Soyuz-2 launch vehicles are manufactured. The facility’s destruction could significantly impact Russia’s military space program, including its ability to launch satellites and crewed missions. Since 2022, Russia has conducted 84 orbital launches, with 71 using Soyuz-2 vehicles. The strike’s implications extend beyond military satellites, as Soyuz-2 is currently Russia’s only launch vehicle capable of sending people into orbit. This development was first reported by Defense Express.