From Baikonur to Orbit: How Modern Soyuz Missions Reach the International Space Station

Space · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Launching to the International Space Station has evolved from a two-day journey into a rapid three-hour sprint. Today, crews from NASA and Roscosmos utilize the Soyuz spacecraft to reach the orbital laboratory, where they conduct complex scientific experiments, test advanced exercise technology, and even celebrate holidays in weightlessness.

The Soyuz spacecraft remains a vital link for crew transportation to the International Space Station. While historical missions, such as the 2012 launch of Expedition 32/33, required a two-day transit to reach the station, modern operations have significantly accelerated this process. Recent missions, including the Soyuz MS-29 and the Thanksgiving Day launch of Soyuz MS-28 in 2025, utilize a two-orbit trajectory that allows for docking just three hours after liftoff from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Once docked, these crews—typically consisting of a mix of NASA astronauts and Roscosmos cosmonauts—embark on long-duration expeditions lasting approximately eight months. These missions are far from routine. The crew of Soyuz MS-28, for instance, arrived to join Expedition 73 before transitioning into Expedition 74. Their work schedule is packed with hundreds of scientific experiments and technology demonstrations. Key objectives for the MS-28 crew include testing the European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device (E4D), a modular system designed for long-duration spaceflight, and conducting research on cryogenic fuel efficiency and semiconductor crystal growth.

Innovation extends to the station's operational tools as well. The MS-28 mission introduced GigaChat, an artificial intelligence bot designed to assist cosmonauts with decision-making processes within the Russian segment of the station. Beyond the technical demands, these missions maintain a human element, often carrying zero-gravity indicators—such as small crocheted dolls—to signal the transition into orbit. Whether it is a holiday feast featuring turkey and lobster or the installation of new safety protocols for future re-entry, the Soyuz program continues to serve as a critical platform for international cooperation and scientific advancement in low Earth orbit.

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

• From Baikonur to Orbit: How International Crews Reach the International Space Station
• A Soyuz spacecraft launches from Kazakhstan to reach the International Space Station
• Soyuz Crew Heads to ISS: A Six-Month Journey Awaits
• A six-hour journey to join the crew aboard the International Space Station
• The high-stakes choreography of Soyuz orbital arrivals
• The final preparations for the Soyuz TMA-20 journey to orbit
• The precise choreography of arriving at the International Space Station
• Why astronauts must move spacecraft to make room for new arrivals
• Final preparations for the next crew to reach the International Space Station
• Before launching into orbit, the Soyuz TMA-05M rocket received a traditional religious blessing.
• The final preparations for the Soyuz TMA-11M launch
• A precision ballet: the docking of Soyuz TMA-13M

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