NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina lifted off from Baikonur Cosmodrome for an eight-month mission.
4:30 PM
A Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket carrying the Soyuz MS-29 manned spacecraft lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Tuesday at 10:47 a.m. EDT, according to Roscosmos and NASA. The spacecraft carries three crew members: NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina, who will form the 75th long-term expedition to the International Space Station.
Approximately eight minutes and 46 seconds after launch, the Soyuz MS-29 separated from the upper stage of the rocket and entered its designated orbit, Roscosmos announced. The spacecraft is scheduled for a two-orbit rendezvous with the ISS.
Menon, a physician-astronaut and former flight surgeon with NASA and SpaceX, is making his first spaceflight. Dubrov, who serves as mission commander, and Kikina are both on their second spaceflights. Kikina is the first female reporter of TASS news agency to travel to space.
The crew will spend approximately eight months aboard the International Space Station before returning to Earth in April 2027, according to NASA. Once docking is complete, Roscosmos head Dmitry Bakanov said the mission will be considered accomplished.
The launch represents a continuation of joint US-Russian space operations despite geopolitical tensions. Bakanov also commented on Russia's plans for a future orbital station, stating it will host new experiments and be "as automated as it can only be," describing it as "a completely new chapter" in manned space exploration.
Four astronauts on the International Space Station were ordered to enter their spacecraft and don spacesuits Friday as Russian cosmonauts attempt to repair a worsening air leak.
The International Olympic Committee ended recommended restrictions on Belarus, allowing athletes to compete under their own flag. Russia remains restricted.
Robert Kuzovkov, known as Semyon Skrepetsky, was shot five times in Biała Podlaska. Two Belarusian nationals were detained.
U.S. Men's National Team manager Mauricio Pochettino revealed the squad for the tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico starting next month.
The administration is negotiating to relocate Afghan interpreters and military families, including over 400 children, from Qatar to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Multiple attacks across the region over 24 hours left casualties including children; rescue workers also targeted.