Fire Breaks Out at Main Roscosmos Research Center Near Moscow

A fire erupted at the primary research facility for Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos, on Wednesday, prompting the evacuation of personnel. The incident occurred at the Central Research Institute of Machine Building (TsNIIMash) in the town of Korolyov, situated outside of Moscow. Smoke was detected in the basement of a building around 1 p.m. local time, triggering the fire alarm.

Firefighters promptly responded to extinguish the blaze, and fortunately, no injuries were reported, according to Roscosmos. Videos shared by Russian media depicted dark smoke billowing above the complex, which houses mission control for the Russian segment of the International Space Station. Roscosmos reassured that the fire posed no threat to workers or nearby residents, emphasizing that International Space Station operations remained "fully under the control of specialists."

An internal inquiry will be conducted to ascertain the cause of the fire once the site is thoroughly cleared. Anonymous sources cited by the state-run news agency TASS suggested that a short circuit may have ignited the fire. The magnitude of the fire and the extent of any damage remain undisclosed by Roscosmos or TASS. It is noteworthy that the United States had previously sanctioned TsNIIMash following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, citing its involvement in Russia’s defense industry.

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