Preparing for liftoff: the final training for the next ISS crew

Space · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Before they ascend to the orbital outpost, astronauts and cosmonauts must undergo rigorous qualification. The crew of Expedition 37/38 is currently perfecting their skills in Russia, ensuring every system on the Soyuz spacecraft and the ISS Russian Segment is ready for the journey ahead.

The upcoming Expedition 37/38 mission involves a coordinated international effort between NASA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. The crew consists of Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov and Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy from Russia, alongside NASA Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins. Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Artemyev from Roscosmos, alongside NASA's Steve Swanson, serve as backups to guarantee mission success. This international partnership ensures mission safety. The team includes specialists from various agencies.

In Star City, Russia, the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center hosts preparations for these critical missions. During sessions held on September 3 and 4, the crew conducted final qualification training focused on the Soyuz spacecraft and the Russian Segment of the International Space Station. This specialized training is essential for managing the complexities of orbital operations. These drills focus on technical proficiency. Such training is vital for orbital success.

Following these sessions, the crew is scheduled to travel to the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on September 13. This transit is a critical step in the final preparations for their scheduled liftoff on September 26, Kazakh time. This mission follows the long tradition of human presence aboard the station, which has hosted over 270 individuals since the first long-term mission, Expedition 1, began in 2000. The Baikonur site facilitates launch preparations. This sequence ensures readiness for the mission.

The station continues to serve as a hub for international cooperation and scientific advancement. While the current crew prepares for their departure, future missions like Expedition 74, beginning in December 2025, and Expedition 75, starting in July 2026, are already being planned to continue the station's legacy of discovery. Future crews will include SpaceX Dragon flights. These missions support the Commercial Crew Program.

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