Historic Soyuz Rocket Launch: US-Russian Crew Set for ISS Journey April 8!

Prepare for a thrilling morning as a Russian Soyuz rocket is set to launch three astronauts towards the International Space Station (ISS) on Tuesday, April 8! This highly anticipated mission will lift off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at precisely 1:47 a.m. EDT (05:57 GMT, or 10:47 a.m. local time in Kazakhstan).

The crew includes NASA astronaut Jonny Kim and Russian cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky. Fans of space exploration won't want to miss this momentous event, as it marks a unique collaboration between NASA and Russian space agencies!

You can catch all the action live at Space.com or directly through NASA's broadcast, starting at 12:45 a.m. EDT (04:45 GMT). Following their launch, the Soyuz capsule is scheduled to dock with the ISS at 5:03 a.m. EDT (09:03 GMT). The excitement continues with live coverage of the hatch opening, projected for around 7:20 a.m. EDT (11:20 GMT).

Once aboard the ISS, this dynamic team will embark on an incredible eight-month journey as part of Expedition 72 and 73. They’ll be conducting a variety of scientific experiments and contributing to international collaboration in space research. This mission is set against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical challenges, showcasing the resilience of international partnerships in the realm of space exploration.

This mission marks a significant milestone for Kim and Zubritsky, both of whom are embarking on their inaugural spaceflights. In contrast, Ryzhikov brings his wealth of experience, having previously spent two six-month missions aboard the ISS, adding a layer of expertise to the crew.

As we eagerly anticipate this historic launch, it's essential to remember how far humanity has come in exploring space together. Stay tuned as we follow Kim, Ryzhikov, and Zubritsky on their extraordinary journey to the stars! Don’t miss this chance to witness a merging of science and international unity in space.