In a landmark event for space exploration, Soyuz MS-27 is set to lift off for the International Space Station (ISS) on April 8, 2025, at 05:47 UTC. The launch will take place from the iconic Site 31/6 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, carrying three exceptional crew members: Sergey Ryzhikov, Alexey Zubritsky from Roscosmos, and NASA's own Jonny "Jon" Kim.

If the launch proceeds as scheduled, the spacecraft is anticipated to dock with the Prichal module of the ISS at 09:03 UTC, joining an impressive lineup of visiting vehicles including Soyuz MS-26, Crew Dragon Endurance, and a couple of Progress supply missions. This mission is particularly noteworthy as it will temporarily increase the number of onboard astronauts to ten during the handover phase between the MS-26 and MS-27 crews.

Meet the Crew: The Pioneers of Soyuz MS-27

Sergey Ryzhikov commands the Soyuz MS-27 mission, marking his third venture into space. Born in Bugulma, Tatarstan, Ryzhikov has an impressive background – a lieutenant colonel in the Russian Air Force, he brings over 700 flight hours to the table. His previous missions include a significant 185-day stay on the ISS during Expedition 64, where he performed a spacewalk and commanded complex operations.

Alexey Zubritsky, the mission’s flight engineer, is set to embark on his first spaceflight. Born in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Zubritsky will contribute his expertise as a senior lieutenant in the Russian Air Force. His selection as a cosmonaut in 2018 signifies a promising addition to human spaceflight.

Jonny Kim, representing NASA as the second flight engineer, has a storied past as a Navy SEAL. Born in Los Angeles and with a decorated military career, including a Silver Star for valor, Kim transitioned into aerospace medicine, obtaining a Doctor of Medicine degree from Harvard. His addition to the crew highlights NASA’s commitment to blending diverse talents in space exploration. He’s also set to play a crucial role in any extravehicular activity (EVA) planned for this mission.

The Mission and What Lies Ahead

Soyuz MS-27 is planned to spend eight months docked to the ISS. During this tenure, the crew will be engaged in critical scientific experiments and maintenance activities. Plans for at least one EVA, particularly aimed at the U.S. segment of the ISS, are underway, bringing excitement and anticipation within the scientific community.

After the completion of the mission, the crew will return to Earth on December 8, 2025, marking the close of Expedition 73 and the transition to Expedition 74. Notably, the crew's integration previously involved being the backup team for Soyuz MS-26, exemplifying the dynamic nature of astronaut crew assignments.

The upcoming Soyuz MS-27 launch is expected to be the second Soyuz 2.1a rocket mission of the year, with another crewed flight planned later.

With history unfolding this April, eyes worldwide will be firmly fixed on Baikonur as the next chapter in humanity's journey into space begins!