NASA Astronaut and Two Cosmonauts Embark on Eight-Month ISS Mission, Baikonur Launch Pad Damaged

A NASA astronaut, Chris Williams, alongside two Russian cosmonauts, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergey Mikaev, successfully launched aboard a Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025. The crew departed from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, beginning their journey to the International Space Station. Their flight culminated in a smooth docking with the ISS's Rassvet module just three hours after liftoff.

This mission marks a significant milestone for both NASA's Chris Williams and Roscosmos's Sergey Mikaev, as it is their inaugural journey into space. In contrast, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov is undertaking his second spaceflight, bringing valuable experience to the crew.

The trio is slated for an approximately eight-month expedition aboard the orbiting laboratory, serving as part of Expedition 73/74. During their extended stay, they are expected to conduct a wide array of scientific investigations and technology demonstrations.

This joint endeavor highlights the continued international collaboration in space exploration between the United States and Russia, persevering despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. This partnership is crucial for the sustained operation and scientific output of the International Space Station, as reported by India Today.

The Thanksgiving Day launch added a unique touch to the mission, with the crew arriving at the ISS just in time to celebrate the holiday in orbit. Space.com noted that this is a rare instance of a crew launching and docking on the American holiday.

However, the mission's success was partially overshadowed by an incident on the ground, as the Baikonur launch pad sustained structural damage during liftoff. Roscosmos confirmed "damage to a number of elements" of the pad, raising concerns about future launch capabilities, Aerospace Global News reported.

• Background of US-Russia Space Cooperation: The collaborative efforts between the U.S. and Russia in space exploration have a rich history, dating back to the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in 1975. This enduring partnership, which led to the creation and continuous operation of the International Space Station, has historically served as a vital diplomatic bridge, maintaining open lines of communication even amidst significant global political disagreements, according to Ad Astra.

• Significance of Continued ISS Operations: The International Space Station, which marked 25 years of continuous human presence in November 2025, remains an indispensable platform for microgravity research and scientific discovery. SpacePolicyOnline.com highlighted that both NASA and Roscosmos are committed to operating the station until at least 2028, with other international partners extending their commitment until 2030, underscoring its global importance.

• Crew Profiles and Expertise: NASA astronaut Chris Williams, a medical physicist, holds a Ph.D. in astrophysics from MIT and was a faculty member at Harvard Medical School before his selection in 2021. Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Mikaev transitioned from a career as a military pilot before joining the cosmonaut corps in 2018. Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, an engineer by training, is on his second spaceflight, having previously flown in 2020.

• Mission Objectives and Scientific Research: During their planned eight-month expedition, the crew will engage in a diverse range of scientific investigations and technology demonstrations. nasa stated that Williams's responsibilities include installing and testing a new modular workout system, supporting experiments to improve cryogenic fuel efficiency, and aiding in the design of new re-entry safety protocols.

• Geopolitical Context and Space Diplomacy: The joint U.S.-Russian mission exemplifies the unique realm of space diplomacy, where cooperation often transcends terrestrial political conflicts. clickorlando.com reported in August 2025 that officials from Roscosmos and NASA have emphasized the importance of maintaining open channels of communication and collaboration despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.

• Baikonur Launch Pad Damage Implications: The structural damage to Baikonur's Site 31/6, which serves as Russia's sole operational crewed launch pad, presents a significant concern for future space operations. Aerospace Global News indicated that while Roscosmos assured "quick" repairs, the incident raises questions regarding the reliability and scheduling of upcoming crewed and cargo missions.

• Extended Mission Durations for Cost Savings: The eight-month duration of the Soyuz MS-28 mission is notably longer than the typical six-month Russian crew rotations. SpacePolicyOnline.com highlighted that both NASA and Roscosmos are actively exploring extending mission durations as a strategic cost-saving measure, particularly in light of constrained budgets and the need for new space infrastructure.

• Thanksgiving in Space Tradition: While the Soyuz MS-28 crew is the first to launch and dock on Thanksgiving Day, the tradition of celebrating this holiday in space dates back to the Skylab 4 mission in 1973. NASA records show that astronauts frequently share special meals and acknowledge the holiday, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the diverse international crews.