U.S.-Russian Crew Successfully Arrives at ISS for 245-Day Mission

The Sojus MS-27 launch from Baikonur marks a rare instance of U.S.-Russia cooperation in space exploration during ongoing geopolitical tensions.

NASA astronaut Jonny Kim and Russian cosmonauts Sergej Ryschikow and Alexej Subrizki docked at the ISS following a successful launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
The crew will spend 245 days aboard the ISS, conducting 50 scientific experiments and two planned spacewalks to advance research and prepare for future missions.
This mission underscores continued collaboration between the U.S. and Russia in space exploration, one of the few remaining areas of cooperation between the nations.
The Sojus rocket featured a commemorative design honoring the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, drawing a record crowd of 2,500 spectators at Baikonur.
Russia leases the Baikonur Cosmodrome from Kazakhstan for $115 million annually, with the agreement in place until 2050, highlighting its strategic role in space missions.