A Russian Soyuz FG rocket will launch the crewed Soyuz MS-09 spacecraft into orbit for a same-day rendezvous with the International Space Station to bring the Expedition 55/56 crew to their orbital home and workplace for a half-year mission. Carrying an international crew trio from the U.S., Russia and Germany, the trusted Soyuz FG rocket will operate for nine minutes to deliver the spacecraft into a 200-Kilometer orbit from where it will maneuver up into the Station’s orbit of 400 Kilometers for a fully automated link-up. The 7,200-Kilogram Soyuz MS-09 spacecraft will remain docked to the Rassvet Module throughout the crew’s stay on ISS to act as life boat and return them to Earth at the end of their flight via parachute-assisted landing in Kazakhstan.

Mission Resources:

? Launch Vehicle Overview: Soyuz FG

? Payload Overview: Soyuz MS Series

? International Space Station Section

⏰ Countdown Timeline

☂ Launch Weather

? Launch Site Schedule