### Historic Launch: U.S.-Russian Crew Embarks on Eight-Month Mission to the International Space Station On November 27, 2025, a U.S.-Russian crew of three successfully launched to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft. The launch took place at 2:27 p.m. local time from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, a facility leased by Russia. The crew consists of NASA astronaut Chris Williams, who is on his first spaceflight, and two Russian cosmonauts, Sergei Mikaev and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov, the latter of whom is on his second mission. The spacecraft is expected to dock with the ISS approximately three hours after liftoff, marking the beginning of an eight-month mission focused on scientific research and international cooperation in space [https://apnews.com/article/international-space-station-launch-russia-united-states-e4aedc39b69ce8983b3c8519fee2eaba][https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/soyuz-spacecraft-blasts-off-for-international-space-station-with-russian-and-american-crew]. ### Mission Overview and Structure 1. **Launch Details** - The Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft was launched using a Soyuz booster rocket from Baikonur, Kazakhstan. - Liftoff occurred at 2:27 p.m. local time (9:27 a.m. GMT) [https://english.aawsat.com/varieties/5213489-us-russian-crew-3-blasts-international-space-station-russian-soyuz-spacecraft]. 2. **Crew Composition** - The crew includes: - Chris Williams (NASA) - First spaceflight. - Sergei Mikaev (Russia) - First spaceflight. - Sergei Kud-Sverchkov (Russia) - Second spaceflight [https://www.geo.tv/latest/635935-soyuz-spacecraft-blasts-off-for-international-space-station-with-russian-and-american-crew]. 3. **Mission Objectives** - The crew will conduct various scientific experiments and research during their eight-month stay at the ISS. - Planned activities include spacewalks and collaboration with the existing ISS crew [https://www.wsmv.com/2025/11/27/us-russian-crew-blasts-off-international-space-station-launch-thanksgiving]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Launch Timing and Docking** - The spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the ISS approximately three hours post-launch, at around 5:34 p.m. local time (12:34 p.m. GMT) [https://interestingengineering.com/space/russian-rocket-launches-nasa-astronaut]. - **Crew Experience** - Chris Williams and Sergei Mikaev are both embarking on their first missions, while Sergei Kud-Sverchkov has prior experience in space [https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2025/Nov/27/us-russian-crew-of-three-blasts-off-to-the-international-space-station-in-a-russian-soyuz-spacecraft]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter in Space Cooperation **The successful launch of the U.S.-Russian crew to the ISS signifies a continued commitment to international collaboration in space exploration.** 1. **Launch Success**: The Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft lifted off successfully from Kazakhstan, marking a significant achievement in space travel. 2. **Crew Dynamics**: The diverse crew composition highlights the ongoing partnership between NASA and Roscosmos, fostering cooperation in scientific endeavors. 3. **Mission Goals**: The eight-month mission aims to advance research and technology in space, contributing to our understanding of life beyond Earth. This mission not only represents a technical achievement but also serves as a symbol of unity in the pursuit of knowledge and exploration beyond our planet [https://www.local10.com/tech/2025/11/27/us-russian-crew-of-3-blasts-off-to-the-international-space-station-in-a-russian-soyuz-spacecraft][https://yournews.com/2025/11/27/5184369/u-s-russian-crew-embarks-on-eight-month-mission-to-international-space-station].