Home News US-Russian Crew Begins 8-Month ISS Mission

US-Russian Crew Begins 8-Month ISS Mission

Jul 15, 2026
52 min
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Jul 15, 2026 03:30
US-Russian crew arrives at the International Space Station for 8-month mission

## Crew Launch and Arrival

A joint US-Russian crew has successfully arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) for an eight-month mission. The team, consisting of NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina, launched aboard the Soyuz MS-29 from Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome. The spacecraft docked with the ISS approximately three hours after liftoff.

## Continued Cooperation Amid Tensions

Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly due to Russia's actions in Ukraine, the mission highlights continued collaboration between NASA and Roscosmos. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman attended the launch, marking the first visit by a NASA chief to Baikonur in eight years. He met with Roscosmos head Dmitry Bakanov and Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov to discuss future cooperation.

## Mission Details

This mission marks Menon's first spaceflight, while Dubrov and Kikina are on their second. The crew will join other astronauts and cosmonauts currently aboard the ISS, including members from NASA, the European Space Agency, and Roscosmos. The mission underscores the ongoing partnership in space exploration, despite broader geopolitical challenges.

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