On Thursday, March 21st, a new chapter unfolds in space exploration as three individuals embark on a journey to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission bolsters the ranks of Expedition 70, the current crew conducting groundbreaking research in orbit.
Leading the incoming team is NASA astronaut Tracy C. Dyson. A seasoned space traveler on her third mission, she will serve as a flight engineer for both Expeditions 70 and 71. Joining her is Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy, a veteran of four spaceflights.
This mission also holds immense significance for Belarus as Marina Vasilevskaya becomes the first spaceflight participant from the nation. Her 12-day stay aboard the ISS represents a historic moment for international collaboration in space exploration.
Liftoff is scheduled for 9:21 AM EDT (6:21 PM Baikonur time) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The trio will journey to the ISS aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft, employing a two-orbit, three-hour trajectory. Docking with the station’s Prichal module is slated for 12:39 PM EDT, marking a significant milestone in the mission.
Following a successful docking, hatches will open, and the new crew members will be warmly welcomed by their fellow space travelers – NASA astronauts and Roscosmos cosmonauts currently residing on the ISS.
Launch Time
Thursday, March 21:
- 8:20 a.m. – Launch coverage begins
- 9:21 a.m. – Launch
- 11:30 a.m. – Rendezvous and docking coverage begins
- 12:39 p.m. – Docking
- 2:50 p.m. – Hatch opening and welcome remarks coverage begins
NASA coverage of the mission is as follows (all times Eastern and are subject to change based on real-time operations):
Extensive Coverage Planned: Witnessing the Launch Sequence
For those eager to witness this momentous occasion, NASA will provide comprehensive coverage across various platforms. Live streams will begin at 8:20 AM EDT on NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and the agency’s website. This ensures that space enthusiasts worldwide can be a part of the launch and docking sequences.
Expert commentary will accompany the captivating visuals, offering insights into the technical aspects of the launch and the intricate maneuvers involved in reaching orbit. Viewers can also expect glimpses into the meticulous planning and preparation that underpins every successful spaceflight.
Expedition 70 Gains Momentum: A Diverse Team for Ambitious Research
The arrival of the new crew members will significantly enhance the scientific workforce aboard the ISS. Their combined expertise will propel ongoing research endeavors in various fields, including human health in microgravity, Earth’s climate, and space physics.
Dyson’s six-month stay will see her contribute extensively to these research efforts. Upon her return to Earth in September, she will be joined by Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub, concluding their year-long mission on the orbiting laboratory.
Meanwhile, Novitskiy and Vasilevskaya will play a crucial role in facilitating the return of NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara. Scheduled to depart the station on April 2nd, she will board the Soyuz MS-24 spacecraft alongside them. Their journey will culminate in a traditional parachute-assisted landing on the steppes of Kazakhstan, signifying the successful completion of O’Hara’s 200-day mission in space.
A Testament to Global Collaboration: Pushing the Boundaries of Space Exploration
This upcoming launch serves as a powerful symbol of international cooperation in space exploration. With crew members from the United States, Russia, and Belarus coming together, the mission embodies the collective pursuit of scientific discovery and human progress.
The influx of new crew members also highlights the unwavering commitment of space agencies worldwide to pushing the boundaries of human spaceflight. As we inch closer to ambitious lunar exploration missions like Artemis, this mission serves as a stepping stone towards a future filled with exciting possibilities in space.
For more information on the International Space Station, its ongoing research, and the crew, please visit: https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station/