International Space Station visitors hail from Russia and the United States
There's a chilly political atmosphere between Russia and the USA on the ground, but up in space, they're still working together. Therefore, an astronaut from NASA hopped on a ride to the ISS, courtesy of a Soyuz spacecraft.
An American astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts speedily zoomed towards the International Space Station (ISS) in just over three hours and nine minutes, traveling on the Soyuz spacecraft. This spacecraft, identified as Soyuz MS-26, was manned by Don Pettit, Alexei Ovchinin, and Ivan Wagner. Following their launch from the Baikonur spaceport in Kazakhstan, as reported by Roscosmos, they entered orbit without a hitch. Docking was confirmed at 21:32 CEST.
The Soyuz MS-26 was carrying 130 kilograms of cargo, including experimental equipment and personal items for the space travelers. The capsule is predicted to remain in space for approximately 202 days.
Despite the ongoing tensions between Russia and the USA, triggered by Russia's interference in Ukraine, they're still collaborating in space. Astronauts frequently utilize Russian spacecraft for reaching the ISS.
Roscosmos' Eagerness for Collaboration
Yuri Borisov, the head of Roscosmos, expressed his desire to extend the current space cooperation agreement with the U.S. until 2025, emphasizing its importance for reliable ISS operations. He also offered assistance to NASA, as the original return plans for astronauts aboard the "Starliner" faced complications. The U.S. has, in turn, lent a hand to Russia in the past.
Two astronauts, Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, are still on the ISS following complications with their planned journey to the space station via the "Starliner." Although the spacecraft returned safely to Earth on Saturday, NASA deemed a second flight with the problematic spacecraft too risky. As a result, the two astronauts extended their stay in space, now expected to last eight months - instead of the initial eight days. Russia might orchestrate a return trip via a Soyuz spacecraft.
Besides these five space travelers, seven other cosmonauts and astronauts currently occupy the ISS. The crew now counts five Russians and seven Americans, surpassing the typical size.
The International Space Station (ISS), where Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore currently reside, is still primarily accessible for astronauts via Russian spacecraft like the one used by the Soyuz MS-26. Roscosmos, Russia's space agency, is eager to continue collaborating with NASA on ISS operations until 2025, as stated by its head, Yuri Borisov.
