A NASA astronaut, Don Pettit, along with Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner, will embark on a significant journey toward the International Space Station (ISS) today, September 11. The trio will be launching aboard the Russian Soyuz spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The planned liftoff is scheduled for 12:23 p.m. EDT (1623 GMT) with the goal of joining the Expedition 71 crew for a six-month mission on the ISS.
Watch Russian Soyuz rocket launch 3 astronauts to the ISS today. A NASA astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts are set to blast off to the International Space Station (ISS) on Sept. 11. Tune in live to witness the launch. pic.twitter.com/GpW1AGQvG7
— Science In 60 Mins (@ScienceIn60Mins) September 11, 2024
Don Pettit is no stranger to space, having already completed several missions. This will be his fourth journey, adding to his impressive record of 370 days in space. Alongside him, Ovchinin and Vagner will represent Russia’s space agency, forming a robust international collaboration aboard the ISS.
The launch will be powered by a Soyuz rocket, a tried-and-tested vehicle in space exploration. Pettit’s fellow travelers, Ovchinin and Vagner, have also flown on multiple missions, bringing substantial experience to the table. Once they reach orbit, the crew will work closely with other members of the Expedition 71 team to carry out vital scientific research and experiments.
Today’s launch coverage will be available via NASA’s live stream services, with broadcasts kicking off at 11:15 a.m. EDT (1515 GMT). The docking of the Soyuz MS-26 spacecraft with the ISS is planned for 3:33 p.m. EDT (1933 GMT), and viewers can tune in to follow along as the Soyuz crew gets closer to the space station. Coverage will also continue into the late afternoon as the crew prepares for the opening of the hatch between the spacecraft, which is expected around 5:50 p.m. EDT.
This upcoming mission is a significant milestone in international space cooperation, showcasing the continued partnership between NASA and Russia’s space agency. Pettit, a veteran of three previous flights, first entered space in 2002 as part of Expedition 6. His time aboard the ISS was extended due to the space shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003, which tragically claimed the lives of seven astronauts and led to a suspension of shuttle flights. Pettit returned safely to Earth on May 3, 2003, aboard the Soyuz TMA-1 spacecraft, though his journey was marked by a landing that took place 295 miles off target due to a technical malfunction.
ISS-Bound Soyuz MS-26 Moved to Launchpad at Baikonur Cosmodrome
The Russian 🚀 is ready for its manned mission on Sept 11 to the Intl Space Station – blasting off cosmonauts Aleksey Ovchinin, Ivan Vagner and NASA astronaut Donald Pettit as the first crew of Expedition 72. pic.twitter.com/HCWe8Stzn2
— RT_India (@RT_India_news) September 9, 2024
This mission, like those that came before it, exemplifies the perseverance, expertise, and teamwork required for space exploration. The experiences of these seasoned astronauts and cosmonauts will undoubtedly contribute to the success of this ambitious half-year mission, furthering our understanding of space and advancing scientific discoveries.
Key Points:
i. NASA astronaut Don Pettit, along with Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner, will launch to the ISS today.
ii. Liftoff is scheduled for 12:23 p.m. EDT from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, with a six-month mission planned.
iii. Don Pettit, a seasoned astronaut, has already spent 370 days in space, with today marking his fourth launch.
iv. Coverage of the launch, docking, and hatch opening will be streamed live throughout the day.
v. This mission highlights the ongoing collaboration between NASA and Russia in space exploration.
Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
