Russia launches Victory Rocket to ISS
Russia successfully launched the Victory Rocket, a Soyuz-2.1a rocket named in honor of the 80th anniversary of World War II's end, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The rocket carried the Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft with three crew members: Russian cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky, along with NASA astronaut Jonathan Kim.
The spacecraft followed an ultra-fast trajectory, reaching the International Space Station (ISS) in just three hours and seventeen minutes. It docked with the Russian Prichal module at 12:04 p.m. Moscow time, expanding the station's crew to ten members.
The three-person crew is scheduled for a lengthy 245-day mission aboard the ISS as part of Expedition 72. Their work will encompass diverse scientific investigations, including biomedical research studying microgravity's effects on human physiology, technology testing for future space missions, and Earth observation projects monitoring environmental changes.
Jonathan Kim, a former U.S. Navy SEAL and medical doctor, is making his first spaceflight. Experienced cosmonaut Sergey Ryzhikov and his Russian colleague Alexey Zubritsky will contribute to various operational and research activities during their stay.
The rocket featured special symbols commemorating the triumph in World War II, symbolizing resilience and unity across time and space.
This mission highlights the continuing collaboration between the United States and Russia in space exploration despite ongoing geopolitical tensions on Earth. The partnership represents a continuation of cooperation dating back to the 1975 Apollo-Soyuz mission.
Looking ahead, as the ISS approaches the end of its service life, Russia has announced plans to develop an independent space station with the first modules scheduled for launch by 2027. Simultaneously, Russia is strengthening its space cooperation with China, signaling evolving dynamics in international space partnerships.
