ISS Expedition 17 Mission Updates

Space Tourist, Cosmonauts Exit Soyuz
24 October 2008 12:08 a.m. EDT

Recovery crews have helped space tourist Richard Garriott and his cosmonaut crewmates out of their Soyuz TMA-12 spacecraft and basking in the chilly air after their smooth landing at 11:37 p.m. EDT on the Central Asian steppes of Kazakhstan.

Click here for a prelanding story.

A wrap story of today?s landing activities will be posted to SPACE.com?s homepage shortly.

NASA is broadcasting Expedition 17?s landing live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com?s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

Recovery Helicopters Arrive at Soyuz Landing Site
23 October 2008 11:54 p.m. EDT

The first recovery helicopters are arriving at the frigid landing site of the Russian-built Soyuz TMA-12 that landed with two cosmonauts and space tourist Richard Garriott moments ago on the Central Asian steppes of Kazakhstan.

The spaceflyers will be helped out of their spacecraft, then seated in reclining chairs as they readjust to Earth?s gravity.

Garriott landed with Expedition 17 commander Sergei Volkov and flight engineer Oleg Kononenko. While Garriott spent 10 days aboard the International Space Station (12 days in orbit in all), his crewmates returned to Earth after 199 days in space.

They landed safely and on target at 11:37 p.m. EDT.

Click here for a prelanding story.

A wrap story of today?s landing activities will be posted to SPACE.com?s homepage shortly.

NASA is broadcasting Expedition 17?s landing live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com?s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

TOUCHDOWN! Space Tourist, Cosmonauts Land Safely
23 October 2008 11:38 p.m. EDT

The Russian-built Soyuz TMA-12 spacecraft returning American space tourist Richard Garriott and cosmonauts Sergei Volkov and Oleg Kononenko to Earth has landed safely.

Landing occurred on time at about 11:37 p.m. EDT.

"The crew reports it's feeling well," NASA commentator Rob Navias said, adding that the Soyuz landed on target.

Click here for a prelanding story.

A wrap story of today?s landing activities will be posted to SPACE.com?s homepage shortly.

NASA is broadcasting Expedition 17?s landing live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com?s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

Soyuz Deploys Parachute for Landing
23 October 2008 11:31 p.m. EDT

The Russian-built Soyuz TMA-12 spacecraft returning American space tourist Richard Garriott and cosmonauts Sergei Volkov and Oleg Kononenko to Earth has deployed its main parachute.

Landing is set for 11:36 p.m. EDT on the Central Asian steppes of Kazakhstan.

Click here for a prelanding story.

NASA is broadcasting Expedition 17?s landing live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com?s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

SEPARATION! Soyuz Spacecraft Jettisons Modules as Planned
23 October 2008 11:18 p.m. EDT

The Russian-built Soyuz TMA-12 spacecraft ferrying American space tourist Richard Garriott and cosmonauts Sergei Volkov and Oleg Kononenko home tonight has jettisoned its orbital and service modules as planned.

Click here for a prelanding story.

NASA is broadcasting Expedition 17?s landing live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com?s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

Soyuz Module Separation Coming Up
23 October 2008 11:10 p.m. EDT

The Russian-built Soyuz TMA-12 spacecraft ferrying American space tourist Richard Garriott and cosmonauts Sergei Volkov and Oleg Kononenko home tonight is minutes away from the planned jettison of its orbital and service modules. The astronauts are returning to Earth a heat shield-protected descent module.

Russian Mission Control has been radioed calls up to the Soyuz for status reports. It is at the module separation stage where the last two returning Soyuz spacecraft experienced separation glitches that sent them into a backup ballistic reentry.

Volkov and Kononenko removed a suspect explosive bolt from their spacecraft during a July spacewalk, which Russian engineers believed was the culprit. New guidance software for tonight?s landing was also developed to aid in on-target landing.

Click here for a prelanding story.

NASA is broadcasting Expedition 17?s landing live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com?s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

Soyuz Spacecraft Fires Engine to Leave Orbit
23 October 2008 10:51 p.m. EDT

The Russian-built Soyuz TMA-12 spacecraft ferrying American space tourist Richard Garriott and cosmonauts Sergei Volkov and Oleg Kononenko home tonight has fired its rocket engine to begin the descent through Earth?s atmosphere.

The planned four-minute deorbit burn began on time at about 10:45 p.m. EDT (0245 GMT). Recovery helicopters have taken off in Kazakhstan and are heading to the northern steppes of the country to prepare for tonight?s 11:36 p.m. EDT (0336 GMT) landing.

Click here for a prelanding story.

NASA is broadcasting Expedition 17?s landing live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com?s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

Soyuz Spacecraft Set to Leave Orbit
23 October 2008 10:30 p.m. EDT

The Russian-built Soyuz TMA-12 spacecraft ferrying American space tourist Richard Garriott and cosmonauts Sergei Volkov and Oleg Kononenko home tonight is poised to fire its rocket engine and begin the plunge back to Earth.

The brief four-minute engine burn is slated to begin at about 10:45 p.m. EDT (0245 Oct. 24 GMT) to put the Soyuz on track for a planned 11:36 p.m. EDT (0336 GMT) landing on the Central Asian steppes of Kazakhstan.

Click here for a prelanding story.

NASA is broadcasting Expedition 17?s landing live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com?s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

Soyuz Spacecraft Backs Away from Station
23 October 2008 8:33 p.m. EDT

The Soyuz TMA-12 spacecraft ferrying American space tourist Richard Garriott and cosmonauts Sergei Volkov and Oleg Kononenko back to Earth tonight is backing away from the International Space Station after today?s smooth undocking.

The spacecraft undocked at 8:16 p.m. EDT (0016 Oct. 24 GMT), and is moving to a point about 12 miles from the station, where it will fire its rocket engine to begin the descent to Earth. The deorbit burn is set for engine burn is set for about 10:44 p.m. EDT (0244 GMT).

Landing is on track for 11:36 p.m. EDT (0336 GMT).

Click here for a prelanding story.

NASA will broadcast Expedition 17?s undocking and landing live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com?s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

UNDOCK! Soyuz Departs Space Station
23 October 2008 8:18 p.m. EDT

The Russian-built Soyuz TMA-12 spacecraft has undocked from the International Space Station as American space tourist Richard Garriott and two cosmonauts begin their trip home.

Undocking occurred on time at about 8:16 p.m. EDT (0016 Oct. 24 GMT) as the Soyuz and station flew 215 miles above the border between Russian and Mongolia.

Inside the Soyuz with Garriott are Expedition 17 commander Sergei Volkov and flight engineer Oleg Kononenko. Volkov and Garriott are the sons of two professional spaceflyers. Volkov?s father is famed Russian cosmonaut Alexander Volkov. Garriott?s father is retired NASA astronaut Owen Garriott.

?Looking good,? Volkov said as his Soyuz undocked.

Landing is set for 11:36 p.m. EDT (0336 GMT).

Click here for a prelanding story.

NASA will broadcast Expedition 17?s undocking and landing live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com?s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

Space Tourist, Cosmonauts to Undock from Station
23 October 2008 8:06 p.m. EDT

A Russian-built Soyuz TMA-12 spacecraft is just minutes from undocking from the International Space Station for today?s planned landing of American space tourist Richard Garriott and the Expedition 17 crew.

Undocking is set for 8:16 p.m. EDT (0016 Oct. 24 GMT) with landing set for about 11:36 p.m. EDT (0336 GMT).

Riding home with Garriott are Expedition 17 commander Sergei Volkov and flight engineer Oleg Kononenko.

Click here for a prelanding story.

NASA will broadcast Expedition 17?s undocking and landing live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com?s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

Space Tourist, Cosmonauts Bid Farewell to Station Crew
23 October 2008 5:16 p.m. EDT

With hearty hugs and wide smiles, American space tourist Richard Garriott and two professional cosmonauts bid farewell to their counterparts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as they prepare for to return to Earth tonight.

Garriott, Expedition 17 commander Sergei Volkov and flight engineer Oleg Kononenko said their goodbye?s to the station?s new Expedition 18 crew and shut the hatches between their Soyuz TMA-12 spacecraft and the station at about 5:14 p.m. EDT (2114 GMT).

Undocking is set for about 8:16 p.m. EDT (0016 Oct. 24 GMT) and landing pegged for about 11:36 p.m. EDT (0336 GMT), though it will be early morning at the crew?s Central Asian landing site on the steppes of Kazakhstan. An Soyuz engine burn is set for about 10:44 p.m. EDT (0244 GMT) to send the Soyuz TMA-12 on the return path to Earth.

A cold morning awaits Garriott and the Expedition 17 crew, with freezing temperatures and a dense morning fog forecast at their landing site, NASA officials said.

Extra recovery helicopters will be stationed at a backup landing site, should the Soyuz return under a ballistic mode like the last two station landings.

Click here for a prelanding story.

NASA will broadcast Expedition 17?s undocking and landing live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com?s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

Space Tourist, New Crew Enter Station
14 October 2008 6:00 a.m. EDT

The hatches between the International Space Station and Soyuz TMA-13 are open, with space tourist Richard Garriott and the new Expedition 18 crew floating inside the orbital laboratory.

The astronauts were greeted with warm smiles and hugs from the station?s Expedition 17 crew as they entered the station. Garriott is paying $30 million to visit the station as a space tourist. He launched with Expedition 18 commander Michael Fincke and flight engineer Yury Lonchakov.

Hatch opening was on time at about 5:55 a.m. EDT (0955 GMT), with the six astronauts aboard the station to speak with dignitaries on Earth shortly.

Click here for a wrap story posted to the SPACE.com homepage shortly.

NASA is broadcasting Expedition 18?s docking live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com?s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

Leak Checks Under Way Between Soyuz, Station
14 October 2008 5:00 a.m. EDT

A series of leak checks are under way between the International Space Station and Soyuz TMA-13 after their smooth docking today at 4:26 a.m. EDT (0826 GMT). Meanwhile, a press conference is under way at Russia?s Mission Control Center outside Moscow.

Inside the Soyuz, space tourist Richard Garriott, Expedition 18 commander Michael Fincke and flight engineer Yury Lonchakov are preparing to enter the space station. Aboard the station, Expedition 17 commande Sergei Volkov and flight engineers Oleg Kononenko and Greg Chamitoff are eager to see their first visitors since June.

Garriott is the son of former NASA astronaut Owen Garriott, and Volkov the son of famed Russian cosmonaut Alexander Volkov. During a press conference under way in Russia right now, both fathers praised the successful docking and imminent meeting of their two spaceflying sons.

?Many thanks to Roscosmos, Energia and all of the contractors who made this flight possible,? the elder Garriott said. ?We look forward to the completion in about 10 days.?

Click here for a preview of today?s orbital rendezvous. A wrap story will be posted to the SPACE.com homepage shortly.

NASA is broadcasting Expedition 18?s docking live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com?s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

DOCKING! Space Tourist, New Crew Arrive at Station
14 October 2008 4:30 a.m. EDT

The Soyuz TMA-13 spacecraft carrying space tourist Richard Garriott, Expedition 18 commander Michael Fincke and flight engineer Yury Lonchakov to the International Space Station has arrived at its new orbital home after a two-day chase that began with a Sunday launch.

The Soyuz docked at an Earth-facing port on the station?s Zarya control module at 4:26 a.m. EDT (0826 GMT), earlier than planned, as both spacecraft flew high over Kazakhstan, home to the Baikonur Cosmodrome where it blasted off on Sunday.

?We have capture!? said Lonchakov, who commanded Soyuz docking under the call sign ?Titan.?

A series of hooks and latches will secure the two spacecraft together, with leak checks on tap to ensure the two vehicles are mated securely. Hatch opening is set for about 6:00 a.m. EDT (1000 GMT).

Click here for a preview of today?s orbital rendezvous.

NASA is broadcasting Expedition 18?s docking live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com?s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

Soyuz Spacecraft Nears Space Station
14 October 2008 4:12 a.m. EDT

The Soyuz TMA-13 spacecraft ferrying space tourist Richard Garriott, Expedition 18 commander Michael Fincke and flight engineer Yury Lonchakov to the International Space Station nearing the orbiting lab, with cameras aboard the spacecraft showing the station in its sights.

Docking is proceeding smoothly, with contact and capture set for about 4:33 a.m. EDT (0833 GMT) at the Earth-facing port on the station?s Zarya control module.

The Soyuz is less than 200 meters from the space station.

Click here for a preview of today?s orbital rendezvous.

NASA is broadcasting Expedition 18?s docking live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com?s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

Space Tourist, New Crew Closing in on Station
14 October 2008 3:52 a.m. EDT

The Soyuz TMA-13 spacecraft ferrying space tourist Richard Garriott and the new Expedition 18 crew to the International Space Station is closing in on the orbital lab as it prepares for today?s planned docking at about 4:33 a.m. EDT (0833 GMT).

The Soyuz launched toward the station on Sunday at 3:01 a.m. (0701 GMT) from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to begin a two-day trek toward the space station.

Garriott plans to spend about 10 days in space before returning home with the station?s outbound crew ? Expedition 17 commander Sergei Volkov and flight engineer Oleg Kononenko. He is paying about $30 million for the spaceflight under a deal between Russia?s Federal Space Agency and the U.S. firm Space Adventures.

Garriott launched to the station with Expedition 18 commander Michael Fincke and flight engineer Yury Lonchakov, who are beginning their own six-month mission and will join the third member of their crew ? NASA astronaut Gregory Chamitoff ? who is already aboard the station.

Click here for a preview of today?s orbital rendezvous.

NASA is broadcasting Expedition 18?s docking live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com?s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

LIFTOFF! Soyuz Rocket Launches Toward Station
12 October 2008 3:01 a.m. EDT

The Russian-built Soyuz rocket ferrying space tourist Richard Garriott and Expedition 18 crewmembers has launched toward space to begin the two-day trek toward the International Space Station.

The rocket launched on time at 3:01 a.m. EDT (0701 GMT) from the Central Asian spaceport at Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan with a Soyuz TMA-13 spacecraft carrying Garriott, Expedition 18 commander Michael Fincke and flight engineer Yury Lonchakov.

It should take about nine minutes for the Soyuz TMA-13 to reach orbit.

Click here for a preview of today?s launch.

NASA is broadcasting Expedition 18?s launch live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com?s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

Station Astronauts Prepare for Soyuz Launch
12 October 2008 2:46 a.m. EDT

Telemetry systems aboard the Soyuz TMA-13 spacecraft to launch less than 20 minutes from now are active, with music being piped into the spacecraft?s cabin for its three-man crew as the countdown ticks down smoothly.

Launch is set for 3:01 a.m. EDT (0701 GMT) from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan to launch space tourist Richard Garriott, Expedition 18 commander Michael Fincke and flight engineer Yury Lonchakov.

Click here for a preview of today?s launch.

NASA is broadcasting Expedition 18?s launch live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com?s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

Service Towers Retracted from Soyuz for Launch
12 October 2008 2:37 a.m. EDT

The service towers supporting the Russian rocket that will launch the Soyuz TMA-13 spacecraft toward the International Space Station today should have retracted now, leaving the booster primed for its planned blast off at 3:01 a.m. EDT (0701 GMT) today from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan.

Final Sokol spacesuit checks are ahead for the Soyuz TMA-13 crew, which includes space tourist Richard Garriott, Expedition 18 commander Michael Fincke and flight engineer Yury Lonchakov.

?Take care of space station and a have a good time while you?re up there,? NASA?s spaceflight operations chief told the three astronauts earlier today in televised video.

Garriott is paying $30 million for a private trip to the space station. The launch marks the second station flight for Fincke and third mission for Lonchakov, who will command the Soyuz trips to and from the outpost under the call sign ?Titan.?

Click here for a preview of today?s launch.

NASA is broadcasting Expedition 18?s launch live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com?s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

Soyuz Rocket Fueled for Space Station Launch
12 October 2008 2:22 a.m. EDT

The Russian-built Soyuz rocket that will launch space tourist Richard Garriott and the Expedition 18 crew toward the International Space Station is fueled for launch, with everything going smoothly for today?s planned liftoff at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan.

In a televised update, NASA spokesperson Rob Navias said the weather at the launch site looks good for the 3:01 a.m. EDT (0701 GMT) space shot. Launch preparations have gone smoothly.

?Everything is set here, a gorgeous day for a launch,? Navias said from the launch site, where it is well into the afternoon. ?Should be a good show.?

Garriott is paying $30 million for his space tourist trek. Fincke and Lonchakov will relieve the station?s current Expedition 17 crew and begin a six-month mission aimed at activating new equipment to double space station crew sizes.

Click here for a preview of today?s launch.

NASA is broadcasting Expedition 18?s launch live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com?s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

Countdown Underway for Space Station Launch
12 October 2008 2:00 a.m. EDT

The countdown for this morning?s Soyuz launch toward the International Space Station is going smoothly as space tourist Richard Garriott, Expedition 18 commander Michael Fincke and flight engineer Yury Lonchakov prepare for their 3:01 a.m. EDT (0701 GMT) launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The spaceflyers have donned their Russian-built Sokol spacesuits and should be inside their Soyuz TMA-13 spacecraft and shut the hatches for the final time for their upcoming launch.

The three spaceflyers carried broad smiles in video broadcast on NASA TV.

?The crew Soyuz TMA-13 is ready for flight,? Lonchakov said in video of his crew walking out to their spacecraft.

?Thank you friends, thank you colleagues,? Garriott told reporters, family and friends at the launch site. ?I am ready.

Click here for a preview of today?s launch. Live coverage of the launch will begin at about 2:00 a.m. EDT (0600 GMT).

NASA is broadcasting Expedition 18?s launch live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com?s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

Space Tourist, ISS Crew Poised to Launch Spaceward
11 October 2008 11:20 p.m. EDT

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