The ritual of spaceflight: why astronauts visit the Kremlin before launch

Space · Published 14 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Before heading into the void, the next crew for the International Space Station must first ground themselves in history. In a tradition that blends high-tech preparation with deep cultural reverence, astronauts and cosmonauts pay tribute to the heroes of the past before seeking their own place in the stars.

The upcoming Expedition 33/34 mission marks the latest chapter in a continuous human presence in orbit. Since Expedition 1 began in 2000, the International Space Station has been continuously occupied, hosting over 270 individuals. This ongoing residency requires seamless coordination between international partners, including NASA, Roscosmos, and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). The current rotation involves a diverse international team, such as the SpaceX Crew-13 mission, which features astronauts from the United States, Canada, and Russia.

Preparation for these missions is as much about cultural diplomacy as it is about technical mastery. The Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, hosts the preparation sessions for Evgeny Tarelkin, Kevin Ford, and Oleg Novitskiy of Expedition 33/34. A key component of this preparation is the traditional pre-launch ceremony. The prime and backup crews travel to Moscow to visit Red Square, where they lay flowers at the Kremlin Wall and tour the Kremlin. This act serves as a formal tribute to iconic Russian space heroes, bridging the gap between the pioneers of the Soviet era and the modern international era of exploration.

The logistical complexity of these missions is reflected in the variety of spacecraft and roles involved. While the Soyuz serves as a primary vehicle for some crews, NASA also utilizes the SpaceX Dragon for its Commercial Crew Program. These missions are supported by a fleet of resupply vehicles, such as the SpaceX CRS-33 and Northrop Grumman CRS-23, which deliver the hardware and supplies necessary for long-term habitation. This ecosystem allows for specialized research, such as the work done in the Cold Atom Lab, which utilizes the microgravity environment to study ultra-cold quantum gases—science that would be impossible to conduct on Earth.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• The ritual of space: why astronauts visit the Kremlin Wall
• Why astronauts visit a Russian cemetery before heading into orbit
• Honouring space legends through ancient traditions in Russia
• Why astronauts still visit Red Square before heading into orbit
• Space exploration begins with a walk through history
• Preparation intensifies as new crews prepare to dock with the orbital outpost
• The rigorous preparation behind the next crew rotation to the International Space Station
• How Astronauts Prepare for the Rigors of Long-Term Spaceflight and Lunar Exploration
• The next crew is preparing to launch toward the International Space Station
• Before heading to orbit, astronauts pay tribute at the Kremlin Wall
• The complex choreography of a nine-person crew on the International Space Station
• Astronauts prepare for space station mission with traditional tributes in Moscow

More in Space · Latest · A–Z · All topics