What measures were taken to ensure the safety of the Soyuz MS-12 mission?

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Safety Measures for Soyuz MS-12 Mission Addressed by Investigation and Checks

The safety of the Soyuz MS-12 mission was primarily addressed through the thorough investigation of a previous launch failure and the subsequent identification of a small fault during final checks for the current mission. An investigation into the October 2018 abortive launch revealed that a sensor, damaged during the rocket's assembly at the cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, was the root cause of the incident. This understanding informed the subsequent attention to detail for the Soyuz MS-12 launch.
Investigation into Previous Launch Failure

The aborted launch on October 11, 2018, which necessitated an emergency landing for cosmonaut Alexei Ovchinin and astronaut Nick Hague, was attributed to a specific component failure. Investigations determined that a sensor had sustained damage during the assembly process of the rocket at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. This finding was crucial in understanding the potential vulnerabilities in the launch vehicle's construction and assembly procedures.
Identification of a Small Fault

Prior to the Soyuz MS-12 launch, a minor issue was detected on the rocket during its final pre-flight inspections. While the nature of this "small fault" was not detailed, its discovery during these critical checks indicates a diligent approach to identifying and potentially rectifying any anomalies before liftoff. The astronauts themselves expressed confidence in reaching the International Space Station, suggesting that any identified issues were deemed manageable.
General Pre-flight Safety Protocols

While specific details on the corrective actions taken after the 2018 sensor failure or the resolution of the "small fault" for the MS-12 mission are not elaborated upon, space agencies typically employ rigorous safety protocols for all launches. These generally include multiple layers of redundant systems, extensive testing of all components, and detailed pre-flight checklists to verify the integrity and functionality of the entire launch vehicle and its payload. The successful liftoff of Soyuz MS-12, carrying astronauts who had previously experienced a launch anomaly, suggests that established safety procedures were followed to ensure mission readiness.

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What measures were taken to ensure the safety of the Soyuz MS-12 mission?

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