New Crew Set to Launch to International Space Station on Friday
A new crew is gearing up for a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) this Friday. Their task is to replace three astronauts who were forced to extend their stay on the ISS for a year due to a catastrophic space incident. NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara, along with Russian cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub, will embark on their journey aboard the Soyuz MS-24 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Upon arrival at the ISS, this new crew will relieve US astronaut Frank Rubio and Russia’s Dmitry Petelin and Sergey Prokopyev. Rubio and his Russian counterparts are scheduled to return to Earth on September 27, making way for the incoming team.
The change in plans arose when the Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft, which was docked at the ISS, suffered severe damage that rendered it irreparable. The damage was reportedly caused by a meteor strike, resulting in a coolant leak. Unfortunately, this meant that the crew could not return to Earth using the damaged craft as originally planned. As a result, their mission was extended by an additional six months.
Rubio, in particular, will make history by setting the US record for the longest spaceflight undertaken by an astronaut. Spending a total of 371 days in space, his dedication and commitment have been praised by his colleagues and NASA administrator Bill Nelson, who expressed gratitude for his service.
Moreover, this new crew is not the only one breaking records. The Russian cosmonauts, Kononenko and Chub, will also establish a new record for the longest spaceflight by a Russian cosmonaut aboard the ISS. They are set to spend an entire year in space before making their return in September 2024.
As for O’Hara, she will join the crew for a duration of six months, participating in various scientific experiments and contributing to the research conducted at the ISS. Her expertise and experience will be valuable assets during her stay on the space station.
With the upcoming launch, space enthusiasts and those curious about the latest developments in space exploration will have much to anticipate. This crucial crew rotation will ensure the continuous operation of the ISS and bring us closer to a better understanding of the universe beyond our planet’s boundaries.
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