Soyuz Spacecraft Redocks to ISS
2 July 2009 6:02 p.m. EDT

The Russian Soyuz spacecraft carrying half of the International Space Station crew has redocked to the outpost after a brief 26-minute flight.  

The Soyuz TMA-14 spacecraft moved from docking port on the space station’s aft to a berth on its bottom, linking the spacecraft to the Earth-facing Pirs compartment.

The flight began at 5:29 a.m. EDT (2129 GMT) and ended at 5:55 p.m. EDT (2155 GMT). Aboard the Soyuz were Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka, NASA astronaut Michael Barratt and Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata. They are due to re-enter the space station at about 8:45 p.m. EDT (0045 July 3 GMT).

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcasting the Expedition 20 Soyuz parking spot swap 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.

Soyuz Spacecraft Undocks from ISS
2 July 2009 5:37 p.m. EDT

Half of the International Space Station’s six-man crew has undocked from the outpost for today’s Soyuz spacecraft move You can watch the short flight live on NASA TV by clicking here.

The Soyuz TMA-14 spacecraft undocked from the station’s aft docking port on the Zvezda module at 5:29 p.m. EDT (2129 GMT) as the station flew 223 miles above the southern Pacific Ocean. Aboard are Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka, NASA astronaut Michael Barratt and Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata.

They will redock at the station at about 5:54 p.m. EDT (2154 GMT) on an Earth-facing docking port on the station’s Pirs module.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcasting the Expedition 20 Soyuz parking spot swap 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.

Station Crew Prepares for Soyuz Move
2 July 2009 5:10 p.m. EDT

The International Space Station crew is preparing for today’s Soyuz docking port move, a short orbital hop to clear a berth for an incoming cargo ship. You can watch the short flight live on NASA TV by clicking here.

Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka and astronauts Michael Barratt and Koichi Wakata will cast off from the station at about 5:26 p.m. EDT (2126 GMT) to make the short flight from the aft end of the station’s Zvezda module to and Earth-facing on the Pirs docking compartment. Redocking is set for 5:54 p.m. EDT (2129 GMT).

NASA will broadcasting the Expedition 20 Soyuz parking spot swap 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.

Space Station Crew to Move Soyuz Spacecraft
2 July 2009 4:00 p.m. EDT

A Russian Soyuz spacecraft will swap parking spots at the International Space Station today during a brief spaceflight by half of the station’s six-man crew. You can watch the short flight live on NASA TV by clicking here.

Russian cosmonaut and station skipper Gennady Padalka will cast off his Soyuz TMA-14 spacecraft from an aft docking port on the outpost’s Zvezda module and move it to an Earth-facing berth on the nearby Pirs docking port. The Soyuz is slated to undock at about 5:29 p.m. EDT (2129 GMT) and redock at the Pirs berth at about 5:54 p.m. EDT (2129 GMT).

NASA astronaut Michael Barratt and Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata will also be aboard the Soyuz during the move. The short flight will clear a berth for a new cargo ship slated to arrive on July 27.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcasting the Expedition 20 Soyuz parking spot swap 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.

Station Crew Complete Second Spacewalk
10 June 2009 3:35 a.m. EDT

American astronaut Michael Barratt and Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka have completed their second spacewalk in less than a week to prepare the International Space Station for the arrival of a new Russian room later this year. They began working inside the station’s Zvezda transfer compartment in a vacuum to replace an old hatch door with a docking cone at 2:55 a.m. EDT (0655 GMT).

Total spacewalking time: 12 minutes.

It was the 125th spacewalk dedicated to station construction. The spacewalk was also the eighth for Padalka and the second for Barratt.

A wrap up of today’s work will be posted to the SPACE.com homepage shortly.

Click here for SPACE.com’s spacewalk preview.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting the Expedition 20 spacewalk 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.

Spacewalkers Install Station Docking Cone
10 June 2009 3:15 a.m. EDT

Just 12 minutes into their spacewalk and spaceflyers Michael Barratt and Gennady Padalka have completed their main chore at the International Space Station to install a new docking cone. They are now preparing to end their swift work by repressurizing the transfer compartment of the station’s Zvezda service module, where they’ve been working.

Click here for SPACE.com’s spacewalk preview.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting the Expedition 20 spacewalk 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.

Station Crew Begins Internal Spacewalk in Zvezda
10 June 2009 3:00 a.m. EDT

Spacewalkers Michael Barratt and Gennady Padalka have begun today’s short spacewalk at the International Space Station, with the orbital work officially beginning at 2:55 a.m. EDT (0655 GMT).

“I am officially opening [the hatch], but with effort,” Padalka said as he began the work inside the forward transfer compartment of the station’s Zvezda module. Today’s work is expected to last less than an hour to replace and old station hatch, or door, with a docking cone so it a new Russian module can latch on later this year.

Click here for SPACE.com’s spacewalk preview.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting the Expedition 20 spacewalk 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.

Spacewalkers Depressurize Station Compartment
10 June 2009 2:42 a.m. EDT

Spacewalkers Michael Barratt and Gennady Padalka are depressurizing the International Space Station’s transfer compartment on the forward section of the outpost’s Zvezda transfer compartment for today’s rare internal spacewalk. They are on track to begin their work at 2:45 a.m. EDT (0645 GMT).

Click here for SPACE.com’s spacewalk preview.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting the Expedition 20 spacewalk 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.

Station Crew Gears Up for 2nd Spacewalk
10 June 2009 2:15 a.m. EDT

American astronaut Michael Barratt and Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka are preparing to begin their second of spacewalk in less than a week to prepare the International Space Station for the arrival of a new Russian module later this year. The two spaceflyers are due to begin their internal spacewalk at 2:45 a.m. EDT (0645 GMT).

Today’s internal spacewalk is expected to last an hour or less and will take place inside the spherical forward section of the station’s Russian-built Zvezda service module, which serves as a connection hub between the living quarters in Zvezda, the Earth-facing Pirs docking compartment and the Russian Zarya control module. The spacewalkers will replace a flat hatch in the compartment’s roof with a docking cone that will allow a new Russian module to latch on when it arrives in November.

Click here for SPACE.com’s spacewalk preview.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA is broadcasting the Expedition 20 spacewalk 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.

Spacewalkers Close Hatch
5 June 2009 8:45 a.m. EDT

Spacewalkers Michael Barratt and Gennady Padalka officially ended their spacewalk when they closed the hatch on the Pirs docking compartment at 8:56 a.m. EDT (1256 GMT), after almost five hours of labor outside the space station.

The two spacewalkers successfully accomplished their scheduled tasks, including installing two new sets of antennas to prepare the station for a new module set to arrive in November.

Click here for SPACE.com’s spacewalk preview.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA is broadcasting the Expedition 20 spacewalk 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.

Spacewalkers Prepare to Come Back Inside
5 June 2009 8:31 a.m. EDT

Spacewalkers Michael Barratt and Gennady Padalka are preparing to wrap up their spacewalk and climb back inside the space station.

The two spacewalkers completed all their scheduled tasks, and in fact made up for lost time by finishing everything early, despite an hour-long delay at the start of the spacewalk caused by a minor spacesuit glitch.

Click here for SPACE.com’s spacewalk preview.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA is broadcasting the Expedition 20 spacewalk 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.

Spacewalker Snaps Photos of His Handiwork
5 June 2009 8:15 a.m. EDT

Spacewalker Michael Barratt took a series of photos to capture the work he and Gennady Padalka had just done to attach two sets of antennas to the space station.

Barratt took the pictures from atop the Strela extension boom, which Padalka cranked out to full length, to get a better view.

The newly-installed antennas will be used to help guide the Mini Research Module 2 into place when it arrives at the station in November.

Click here for SPACE.com’s spacewalk preview.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA is broadcasting the Expedition 20 spacewalk 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.

Barratt Climbs Onto Pole For a Good View
5 June 2009 7:45 a.m. EDT

Spacewalker Michael Barratt has climbed aboard the Strela extension pole for a better view to survey his handiwork. From this vantage point he will take photos of the cables and antennas he and Gennady Padalka installed so that ground experts can make sure they are routed correctly.

Padalka and Barratt have finished attaching two sets of antennas to the Pirs docking compartment, as well as power cables to connect them to the station.

Click here for SPACE.com’s spacewalk preview.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA is broadcasting the Expedition 20 spacewalk 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.

Spacewalkers Wrap Up Antenna Connection
5 June 2009 7:20 a.m. EDT

Spacewalkers Gennady Padalka and Michael Barratt are wrapping up their work to route the power cables to second set of antennas they've installed.

Once they have completed the cable attachment Barratt will ride an extension boom to take photos of their work from a good vantage point.

Click here for SPACE.com’s spacewalk preview.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA is broadcasting the Expedition 20 spacewalk 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.

Second Antenna Set Installed
5 June 2009 6:40 a.m. EDT

Spacewalkers Gennady Padalka and Michael Barratt attached a second set of antennas to the space station, which will be used to help guide the Mini Research Module 2 into place when it arrives at the station in November.

The two men are now working on installing power cables to connect the antennas.

Click here for SPACE.com’s spacewalk preview.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA is broadcasting the Expedition 20 spacewalk 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.

Spacewalkers Install Cables
5 June 2009 5:59 a.m. EDT

Gennady Padalka and Michael Barratt have finished attaching power cables to the newly installed antennas outside the Pirs docking compartment.

The two spacewalkers are now taking pictures of their accomplishment, and preparing to do it again at the site for the second set of antennas.

The antennas will be used to help guide the Mini Research Module 2 into place when it arrives at the station in November.

Click here for SPACE.com’s spacewalk preview.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA is broadcasting the Expedition 20 spacewalk 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.

Spacewalkers Connect First Set of Antennas
5 June 2009 5:13 a.m. EDT

Spacewalkers Gennady Padalka and Michael Barratt have successfully installed the first set of antennas at the connection between the Zvezda service module and the Pirs docking compartment. They are now working on connecting cables to the antennas to route power to them from the space station.

The antennas will be used to help guide the Mini Research Module 2 into place when it arrives at the station in November.

Click here for SPACE.com’s spacewalk preview.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA is broadcasting the Expedition 20 spacewalk 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.

Spacewalkers Begin Antenna Installation
5 June 2009 4:50 a.m. EDT

Spacewalkers Gennady Padalka and Michael Barratt have set to work installing the first set of antennas at the connection between the Zvezda service module and the Pirs docking compartment. The antennas will be used to help guide the Mini Research Module 2 into place when it arrives at the station in November.

Russian mission controllers are still monitoring the situation with carbon dioxide in the astronauts' suits. They recently asked Barratt whether he was experiencing any symptoms of excess carbon dioxide.

"I breathe normally and I feel OK," Barratt reported.

Click here for SPACE.com’s spacewalk preview.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA is broadcasting the Expedition 20 spacewalk 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.

Spacewalkers Arrive At Worksite
5 June 2009 4:20 a.m. EDT

Spacewalkers Gennady Padalka and Michael Barratt have arrived at the first worksite for their activities outside the space station, at the connection between the Zvezda service module and the Pirs docking compartment.

They plan to install the first set of antennas here, which will be used to guide the new Mini Research Module 2 into place when it arrives in November.

Click here for SPACE.com’s spacewalk preview.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA is broadcasting the Expedition 20 spacewalk 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.

Spacewalkers Step Outside Station
5 June 2009 4:03 a.m. EDT

Gennady Padalka and Michael Barratt have left the confines of the International Space Station to begin a planned 5 1/2-hour spacewalk to attach new antennas to the station's Pirs docking compartment.

Padalka is wearing a spacesuit with red stripes on it, while Barratt's suit has blue stripes to distinguish him.

The spacewalkers are beginning about an hour late because of a delay due to concerns over their spacesuits. The two had been seeing measurements of abnormally high levels of carbon dioxide inside their suits, but Russian mission control eventually determined this was due to faulty data, and not actual high levels of carbon dioxide.

Click here for SPACE.com’s spacewalk preview.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA is broadcasting the Expedition 20 spacewalk 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.

Spacewalkers Open Hatch
5 June 2009 3:49 a.m. EDT

Two spacewalkers have opened the hatch to step outside of the International Space Station to begin a planned 5 1/2-hour spacewalk.

Gennady Padalka and Michael Barratt are beginning about an hour late because of a delay due to concerns over their spacesuits. The two had been seeing measurements of abnormally high levels of carbon dioxide inside their suits, but Russian mission control eventually determined this was due to faulty data, and not actual high levels of carbon dioxide.

The spacewalkers plan to attach new antennas to the station's Pirs docking compartment to prepare for the arrival of the Mini-Research Module 2, a new compartment and docking port that will be launched toward the station this fall.

Click here for SPACE.com’s spacewalk preview.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA is broadcasting the Expedition 20 spacewalk 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.

Spaceflyers Are "Go" To Begin Spacewalk
5 June 2009 3:18 a.m. EDT

The two spacewalkers have received a "go" from Russian mission control to proceed with their spacewalk, after their departure from the space station had been delayed over concerns about their spacesuits.

Both Gennady Padalka and Michael Barratt were reading measurements of abnormally high levels of carbon dioxide inside their suits.  The two are wearing new, updated versions of the traditional Russian Orlan suits used for spacewalking. Mission control has decided the readings reflect faulty data, and not actual high levels of carbon dioxide.

The spacewalkers plan to attach new antennas to the station's Pirs docking compartment to prepare for the arrival of the Mini-Research Module 2, a new compartment and docking port that will be launched toward the station this fall.

Click here for SPACE.com’s spacewalk preview.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA is broadcasting the Expedition 20 spacewalk 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.

Spacewalkers Suited Up
5 June 2009 2:35 a.m. EDT

Cosmonaut Gennady Padalka and astronaut Michael Barratt are suited up and ready to begin their planned 5 1/2-hour spacewalk. They are conducting leak checks to make sure that their spacesuits are airtight, while their airlock depressurizes. The two spacewalkers are due to step outside at 2:45 a.m. EDT (0645 GMT).

The spacewalkers plan to attach new antennas to the station's Pirs docking compartment to prepare for the arrival of the Mini-Research Module 2, a new compartment and docking port that will be launched toward the station this fall.

Click here for SPACE.com’s spacewalk preview.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA is broadcasting the Expedition 20 spacewalk 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.

Spacewalkers Prepare To Don Spacesuits
5 June 2009 2:15 a.m. EDT

Russian space station commander Gennady Padalka and NASA flight engineer Michael Barratt are due to begin a planned 5 1/2-hour spacewalk at 2:45 a.m. EDT (0645 GMT).They are preparing to don their Russian Orlan spacesuits for the event now.

The spacewalkers plan to attach new antennas to the station's Pirs docking compartment to prepare for the arrival of the Mini-Research Module 2, a new compartment and docking port that will be launched toward the station this fall.

Click here for SPACE.com’s spacewalk preview.

-- Clara Moskowitz

NASA is broadcasting the Expedition 20 spacewalk 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.

6-Person Crew: Larger Space Station Crew Digs In
29 May 2009 10:40 a.m. EDT

The larger, six-person crew of the International Space Station is settling in after the morning arrival of three spaceflyers aboard a Russian Soyuz TMA-15 spacecraft. The docking kicks off the first-ever full six-person crew for the station after 10 years of construction.

“It has been 10 years in the making, this event,” station commander Gennady Padalka said. “This is very exciting and so we’re ready to start utilizing the station.”

Click here for SPACE.com’s full docking coverage.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the joint Expedition 18-Expedition 19 mission live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. 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.

6-Person Crew: New Station Crew Welcomed Aboard
29 May 2009 10:20 a.m. EDT

The three men aboard the International Space Station welcomed the arrival of their three newest crewmembers with warm hugs and bright smile. The hatches opened between the station and Soyuz TMA-15 spacecraft opened at 10:14 a.m. EDT (1214 GMT).

A welcome ceremony to mark the historic event is on tap.

Click here for SPACE.com’s docking coverage.

Hatch opening will join the station’s three residents – commander Gennady Padalka of Russia, American Michael Barratt and Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata – with their new additions, cosmonaut Roman Romanenko, European Frank De Winne, and Canadian Robert Thirsk.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the joint Expedition 18-Expedition 19 mission live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. 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.

6-Person Crew: Hatches to Open Between Soyuz, ISS
29 May 2009 10:03 a.m. EDT

After their successful docking, the six-person crew aboard the International Space Station and newly docked Soyuz TMA-15 spacecraft are preparing to open the hatches separating their two linked spacecraft. Russian space officials and visiting dignitaries have gathered at Mission Control Center near Moscow to watch the event.

Click here for SPACE.com’s docking coverage.

Hatch opening will join the station’s three residents – commander Gennady Padalka of Russia, American Michael Barratt and Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata – with their new additions, cosmonaut Roman Romanenko, European Frank De Winne, and Canadian Robert Thirsk.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the joint Expedition 18-Expedition 19 mission live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. 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.

6-Person Crew: Press Conference Under Way
29 May 2009 9:15 a.m. EDT

As the six spaceflyers aboard the International Space Station and newly docked Soyuz TMA-15 spacecraft, a press conference is under way at Russia’s Mission Control Center near Moscow. Representatives from Russia’s Federal Space Agency, NASA, and the European, Canadian and Japanese space agencies are on hand to mark the milestone of reaching a six-person crew.

Click here for SPACE.com’s docking coverage.

At the station, a series of leak checks are under way to ensure a good seal between the Soyuz and station. Hatches between the two spacecraft are slated to open at 9:45 a.m. EDT (1345 GMT).

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the joint Expedition 18-Expedition 19 mission live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. 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.

6-Person Crew! Soyuz Spacecraft Docks at ISS
29 May 2009 8:36 a.m. EDT

Three new crewmembers have arrived at the International Space Station, boosting its core population to six  people for the first time in more than 10 years of construction.

“We have the contact,” said Russian cosmonaut Roman Romanenko, who is commanding the Soyuz TMA-15’s docking. Docking occurred at 8:34 a.m. EDT (1234 GMT) as both spacecraft were flying 220 miles (354 km) above the south coast of China.

Click here for SPACE.com’s launch coverage.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the joint Expedition 18-Expedition 19 mission live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. 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.

6-Person Crew: Soyuz Spacecraft Flies Around ISS
29 May 2009 8:15 a.m. EDT

The Russian Soyuz spacecraft ferrying three new crewmembers to the International Space Station is now flying around the orbiting lab to align itself with an Earth-facing berth on the outpost’s Zarya control module for today's planned docking at 8:36 a.m. EDT (1236 GMT).

The spacecraft is within 600 meters and closing. “We can see the station in the periscope,” said Russian cosmonaut Roman Romanenko, who is commanding the Soyuz TMA-15’s docking.

Click here for SPACE.com’s launch coverage.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the joint Expedition 18-Expedition 19 mission live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. 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.

6-Person Crew: Soyuz Spacecraft in Sight of ISS
29 May 2009 8:00 a.m. EDT

The Russian Soyuz spacecraft ferrying three new crewmembers to the International Space Station is closing in on the orbital laboratory and on track for today's planned docking at 8:36 a.m. EDT (1236 GMT).

Aboard are Russian cosmonaut Roman Romanenko, Canadian astronaut Robert Thirsk and Belgian spaceflyer Frank De Winne of the European Space Agency. They will be welcomed by station commander Gennady Padalka of Russia, and flight engineers Michael Barratt (NASA) and Koichi Wakata of Japan.

Click here for SPACE.com’s launch coverage.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the joint Expedition 18-Expedition 19 mission live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. 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.

6-Person Crew: ISS Docking to Make History
29 May 2009 1:07 a.m. EDT

At 8:36 a.m. EDT (1236 GMT) Friday, a Russian Soyuz TMA-15 spacecraft will dock at the International Space Station to make history by delivering three new crewmembers to double the orbiting laboratory’s crew size for the first time in the station’s more than 10-year history.

Arriving aboard are Russian cosmonaut Roman Romanenko, Canadian astronaut Bob Thirsk and Belgian spaceflyer Frank De Winne of the European Space Agency. They will be welcomed by station commander Gennady Padalka of Russia, and flight engineers Michael Barratt (NASA) and Koichi Wakata of Japan. The link-up will mark the first time every major station contributing agency is represented.

“I think it’s a great way to kick off six-person crews,” NASA’s deputy station program manager Kirk Shireman said Thursday. “We’ve been waiting for this for a long time.”

Click here for SPACE.com’s launch coverage.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the joint Expedition 18-Expedition 19 mission live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. 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.

Soyuz Rocket Successfully Reaches Orbit
27 May 2009 6:55 a.m. EDT

The Soyuz rocket carrying the second wave of the International Space Station’s first 6-person crew has successfully reached orbit with cosmonaut Roman Romanenko, Canadian Bob Thirsk and Belgian Frank De Winne onboard.

“Feeling well onboard, systems in order,” said Romanenko, who is son of veteran cosmonaut Yuri Romanenko, a three-time spaceflyer. “It’s just like flying.” 

The Soyuz TMA-15 is due to dock at the space station on Friday at 8:36 a.m. EDT (1236 GMT).

Click here for SPACE.com’s launch preview.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the joint Expedition 18-Expedition 19 mission live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. 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.

Soyuz Rocket Jettisons Boosters
27 May 2009 6:45 a.m. EDT

The Soyuz rocket carrying the Soyuz TMA-15 crew has jettisoned its four strap-on boosters and ignited its second stage as It heads to orbit. The rocket launched on time from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan at 6:34 a.m. EDT (1034 GMT).

Click here for SPACE.com’s launch preview.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the joint Expedition 18-Expedition 19 mission live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. 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.

Soyuz Rocket Poised to Launch New Station Crew
27 May 2009 6:15 a.m. EDT

The Soyuz spacecraft poised to launch three new spaceflyers to the International Space Station is minutes from liftoff at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Aboard the Soyuz are Russian cosmonaut Roman Romanenko, Canadian astronaut Bob Thirsk and Belgian astronaut Frank De Winne, who represents the European Space Agency. The spaceflyers are on track for a planned 6:34 a.m. EDT (1034 GMT) launch toward the station to double its crew size.

Click here for SPACE.com’s launch preview.

-- Tariq Malik

NASA will broadcast the joint Expedition 18-Expedition 19 mission live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. 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.