US-Russian crew starts 8-month mission on the ISS

A three-member US-Russian crew has begun an eight-month mission aboard the International Space Station following a launch from Kazakhstan yesterday (27 November).

The Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft lifted off at 2:27pm from Russia's Baikonur Cosmodrome, carrying NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Russian cosmonauts Sergei Mikaev and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov. The spacecraft docked with the ISS at 5:34pm

This mission marks the first spaceflight for Williams, a physicist, and Mikaev, a military pilot, while Kud-Sverchkov is on his second voyage. The crew will join current ISS residents: NASA astronauts Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman, Jonny Kim; Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Kimiya Yui; and Russian cosmonauts Sergei Ryzhikov, Alexei Zubritsky, and Oleg Platonov.

Williams will lead scientific research and technology demonstrations designed to advance human space exploration and deliver benefits on Earth, NASA said.

Roscosmos reported Thursday evening that the new crew was "in good health" following the launch. However, a routine inspection of the launch pad at Baikonur revealed damage to several components. Officials said all necessary spare parts are on hand and repairs are expected to be completed soon.

The mission underscores ongoing US-Russian collaboration in space exploration despite broader geopolitical tensions and highlights the continued use of the ISS as a platform for scientific research and international cooperation.