A four-hour journey to the stars begins at the Baikonur Cosmodrome

Space · Published 11 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Before the Soyuz TMA-13M rocket pierces the night sky, the Expedition 40/41 crew undergoes rigorous final preparations. From traditional ceremonies and birthday celebrations to critical spacecraft fit checks, every moment in Kazakhstan is a calculated step toward a multi-month mission aboard the International Space Station.

In late May 2014, the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan served as the staging ground for the Expedition 40/41 mission. The crew—comprising Soyuz Commander Maxim Suraev of Roscosmos, NASA Flight Engineer Reid Wiseman, and ESA Flight Engineer Alexander Gerst—engaged in essential pre-flight protocols. These included a final 'fit check' inside the Soyuz TMA-13M spacecraft and various traditional ceremonies. Notably, the crew also celebrated Suraev's birthday on May 24th. The crew also shared a lighthearted moment by taking a group selfie before departure. This photo was shared by Alexander Gerst via social media.

The technical assembly of the launch vehicle followed a precise schedule. On May 25th, the segments of the Soyuz rocket were mated. By May 26th, the spacecraft and its booster were transported to the launch pad via a railcar to undergo final preparations. While the mission was scheduled for May 29th Kazakh time, the actual liftoff occurred on May 28, 2014. The vehicle's engines were observed firing during the initial ascent phase. This departure took place from the Kazakhstan facility.

The ascent to the International Space Station (ISS) was a relatively brief endeavor, lasting approximately four hours. Once the Soyuz TMA-13M reached its destination, the trio was set for a mission lasting about 5 ½ months. This mission highlights the intricate coordination between international agencies, including NASA, the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), and the European Space Agency (ESA), to ensure the crew's safe transit to low Earth orbit. During the flight, the astronauts held hands to mark the beginning of their journey. This short trip successfully delivered the trio to the station.

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