From Baikonur to Orbit: How International Crews Reach the International Space Station

Space · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan remains a vital gateway for human spaceflight. Despite geopolitical tensions, U.S. and Russian crews continue to launch together on Soyuz spacecraft, embarking on months-long missions to the International Space Station to conduct critical research that advances both space exploration and life on Earth.

The Baikonur Cosmodrome, a historic launch site in Kazakhstan, continues to serve as a primary hub for international space cooperation. Missions typically involve a mix of NASA astronauts and Roscosmos cosmonauts, who train together for complex operations. For instance, crews like those aboard the Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft undergo rigorous preparations, including unsuited fit checks, to ensure their vessel is ready for the journey to the orbiting laboratory. Once launched, these missions often involve a rapid transit, such as a three-hour, two-orbit trip, before the spacecraft automatically docks with the station's modules.

Once aboard, the crews integrate into the existing expedition team, which often includes members from various international space agencies. These missions are substantial commitments, frequently lasting approximately eight months. During this time, astronauts and cosmonauts engage in a wide array of scientific research and technology demonstrations. These efforts are designed to push the boundaries of human space exploration while yielding practical benefits for life on Earth, such as refining the production of semiconductor crystals for high-performance computing and artificial intelligence.

The research conducted during these stints is diverse and forward-looking. Astronauts act as both researchers and test subjects, participating in studies on how microgravity affects human physiology, including blood flow. Other experiments involve cutting-edge techniques like using augmented reality for medical procedures or bioprinting vascular constructs to better understand the aging process. Despite the geopolitical friction that has marked relations between Washington and Moscow since 2022, the operational partnership on the space station persists, with both nations continuing to fly crews on each other's spacecraft to maintain the station's ongoing scientific mission.

The logistical coordination required for these missions is immense, involving post-flight recovery operations in the steppes of Kazakhstan. After landing by parachute, crews are typically transported by helicopter to regional hubs like Karaganda before returning to their respective training bases. This cycle of launch and return, involving international cooperation, remains a cornerstone of modern space operations, demonstrating how scientific necessity can bridge deep-seated political divides.

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