The final countdown for the Expedition 42/43 crew begins in Kazakhstan

Space · Published 9 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: As the Soyuz TMA-15M prepares for liftoff, the crew undergoes a rigorous sequence of ceremonies and technical rehearsals. From traditional rituals in Star City to the intense precision of launch pad operations, every minute is accounted for before the crew begins their journey to the International Space Station.

The mission to the International Space Station involves a coordinated effort between several global space agencies. Comprising Expedition 42/43, the crew features Roscosmos Commander Anton Shkaplerov, NASA Flight Engineer Terry Virts, and ESA Flight Engineer Samantha Cristoforetti. They are supported by backups Oleg Kononenko (Roscosmos), Kjell Lindgren (NASA), and Kimiya Yui (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency).

On November 11, the team took part in customary rituals at Russia's Star City Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center prior to arriving at the launchpad. Following these rituals, the crew traveled to the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to finalize preparations. This included a final pre-launch "fit check" dress rehearsal on November 19, where the crew answered questions from reporters at the Integration Facility.

The launch sequence is a meticulously timed series of events. On the day of liftoff, scheduled for 3:01 a.m. on November 24 (Baikonur time), the crew follows a strict timeline. This includes waking up at 6:10 a.m. EST, arriving at Site 254 at 10:10 a.m., and suit-up at 10:55 a.m. The technical preparations involve installing batteries in the booster, tanking with liquid oxygen, and conducting leak checks. The final stages involve the crew boarding the Soyuz and being strapped into the Descent module, leading to the critical moment of liftoff.

Precision is paramount during the countdown. In the minutes preceding launch, the crew performs a walkout and readiness report to the State Commission. As the vehicle nears liftoff, systems such as the emergency escape system are armed and suit leak checks are completed. The journey officially begins when the Soyuz TMA-15M departs the pad, timed to coincide with the International Space Station flying directly over the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

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