A joint US-Russian crew launched aboard a Soyuz spacecraft for an eight-month mission to the International Space Station, with NASA chief Jared Isaacman making a rare visit to the Baikonur Cosmodrome to witness the liftoff.
Key facts
- A US-Russian crew launched aboard a Soyuz spacecraft bound for the International Space Station.
- The mission is scheduled to last eight months.
- NASA chief Jared Isaacman made a rare visit to the Baikonur Cosmodrome for the launch.
- The launch took place at the Russia-operated Baikonur Cosmodrome.
- The launch occurred on 14 July 2026.
A crew of US and Russian astronauts has launched into orbit aboard a Soyuz spacecraft, beginning an eight-month mission to the International Space Station, according to Al Jazeera.
The spacecraft blasted off from the Russia-operated Baikonur Cosmodrome.
NASA chief Jared Isaacman made a rare visit to Baikonur to witness the launch in person, according to Al Jazeera.
Further details about the individual crew members and the specific scientific objectives of the mission were not provided in the initial reports of the launch.
Why it matters
The launch marks a continuation of joint US-Russian activity aboard the International Space Station, and the attendance of NASA's chief at the Russian launch site was noted by Al Jazeera as a rare visit.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the space mission expected to last?
According to Al Jazeera, the US-Russian crew launched on an eight-month mission to the International Space Station.
Where did the launch take place?
The crew launched aboard a Soyuz spacecraft from the Russia-operated Baikonur Cosmodrome.
Did any US officials attend the launch?
Yes. NASA chief Jared Isaacman made a rare visit to the Baikonur Cosmodrome to witness the launch, according to Al Jazeera.