OSINT analysts show damage to plant in Russia's Samara where rockets for military satellite launches are equipped

The OSINT community CyberBoroshno, based on an analysis of satellite imagery, identified the location where FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles struck the Progress Rocket and Space Centre in Samara, Russia.

Source: CyberBoroshno

Details: According to CyberBoroshno, the strike most likely hit Building 106A, where onboard equipment is installed on Soyuz-2 launch vehicles. Building 106B, where their final assembly takes place, is located nearby.

"Building 106A operates under a high cleanroom standard: this is where onboard electrical systems, instruments and printed circuit boards are installed – essentially the launch vehicle's 'nervous system': the control system, cable network and instrumentation compartment. Without this stage, the rocket cannot be assembled, even when the body and tanks are ready," the analysts said.

CyberBoroshno emphasises that, given the specifics of the manufacturing process, restoring such a facility could take a considerable amount of time.

"Fire, soot and firefighting water inside a high-grade cleanroom mean this is not a matter of repairing the roof but of requalifying clean zones, recertifying the manufacturing process and carrying out repeated dust-control checks – months, not weeks," the statement reads.

The analysts also noted that, due to sanctions, the onboard electronics of Soyuz rockets depend on imported components that are subject to supply restrictions and cannot currently be purchased in sufficient quantities.

According to the OSINT community, the Progress Rocket and Space Centre is the only facility in Russia responsible for serial assembly of Soyuz-2 launch vehicles.

"The strategic importance of Progress lies in its uniqueness. It is the only assembly point for the entire Soyuz-2 range, which Russia uses to deploy and replenish its military orbital constellation – including the Liana electronic intelligence and targeting system and the Persona/Razdan optical reconnaissance systems — as well as its own 'Starlink': the Rassvet satellite internet network developed by Bureau 1440, which is deployed exclusively using Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicles. There is no duplicate facility for this production," KiberBoroshno said.

The analysts added that the extent of the damage is being clarified using satellite imagery.

Background:, In the Russian city of Samara, the Progress Rocket and Space Centre, which manufactures Soyuz rockets and spacecraft, came under attack by Flamingo missiles on the night of 14-15 August. These are used to launch satellites for the Rassvet low-Earth-orbit communications system, which is described as Russia's equivalent of Starlink.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon to help us keep reporting!