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NASA and Russian Crew Launch for 8-Month ISS Mission

11/28/2025

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Williams Launches Mission

NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergey Mikaev launched aboard the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft from Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome on November 27, 2025.
They docked with the International Space Station (ISS) three hours later.
This mission is Williams' first spaceflight, while Kud-Sverchkov is on his second.
The crew will spend eight months conducting scientific research, including improving cryogenic fuel efficiency.
The launch pad at Baikonur sustained damage during liftoff, with repairs planned.

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Cosmodrome Damage Revealed

The Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan sustained significant damage during the Soyuz MS-28 launch, which docked with the ISS.
Inspections revealed a movable servicing cabin collapsed, raising concerns about future crewed launches.
Analysts say repairs could take over a week and would halt Russia's ability to launch humans for the first time since 1961.
The crew will remain on the ISS for eight months conducting scientific research.

History

Historical Context

The Soyuz 1 mission, launched on April 23, 1967, ended in tragedy when cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov died due to parachute failures during re-entry, resulting in an 18-month setback for the Soviet space program. This incident prompted significant safety reforms. The recent Soyuz MS-28 launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome highlights ongoing challenges, including damage to the launch pad, raising concerns about future crewed missions.

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Williams Launches Mission

NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergey Mikaev launched aboard the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft from Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome on November 27, 2025.
They docked with the International Space Station (ISS) three hours later.
This mission is Williams' first spaceflight, while Kud-Sverchkov is on his second.
The crew will spend eight months conducting scientific research, including improving cryogenic fuel efficiency.
The launch pad at Baikonur sustained damage during liftoff, with repairs planned.

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