Soyuz MS-29 Russia, US launch new crew to International Space Station

Soyuz MS-29 successfully carried two Russian cosmonauts and one American astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) on Tuesday, marking the return of crewed launches from a repaired launchpad at Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome.

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The Soyuz spacecraft lifted off at 10:47 a.m. EDT (1447 GMT) with NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina on board. Just over three hours later, the crew docked with the ISS while orbiting above the Mediterranean Sea.

The three astronauts joined seven crew members already aboard the orbital laboratory, bringing the total number of people on the station to 10.

NASA and Roscosmos leaders attend launch

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman attended the launch alongside Roscosmos Director Dmitry Bakanov. Notably, it was the first visit by a NASA chief to Baikonur since 2018.

The mission marks Menon’s first journey into space. Meanwhile, Dubrov and Kikina are both making their second spaceflight.

After the launch, Isaacman praised Menon on social media. He described the astronaut as a military officer, physician, pilot and family man who was well prepared for the mission.

ISS partnership continues despite tensions

The mission highlights continued cooperation between NASA and Roscosmos despite strained relations following Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The two agencies continue to depend on each other to operate the ISS. For example, US solar panels supply electricity to the station, while Russian thrusters help maintain its orbit.

Aging space station remains a priority

The International Space Station is expected to remain operational until around 2030. However, technical issues, including persistent air leaks, have created challenges for both space agencies.

Last month, NASA instructed its astronauts to prepare for a possible evacuation during discussions over repair work on one of the leaks. Nevertheless, both agencies have continued to coordinate operations aboard the station.

The latest launch also marked the return of crewed missions from Baikonur’s Site 31 after repairs followed damage caused during a previous Soyuz launch.