The March 21 launch of the crewed Soyuz-25 spacecraft to the International Space Station with NASA astronaut Tracy C. Dyson, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy, and spaceflight participant Marina Vasilevskaya of Belarus was scrubbed. The next available launch opportunity is Saturday, March 23.
When NASA refers to a launch being “scrubbed,” it means that the planned launch of a spacecraft or rocket has been canceled or postponed. This decision can be made for various reasons, including technical issues with the rocket or spacecraft, unfavorable weather conditions, or other factors that could compromise the safety and success of the mission.
Over the years, Baikonur has served as a crucial site for various types of space missions, including manned spaceflights, satellite launches, and interplanetary missions. Despite the emergence of new spaceports around the world, Baikonur continues to be a key player in global space exploration efforts, maintaining its historical and strategic significance in the space industry.