NASA astronaut Chris Williams is set to launch on Thursday, November 27, aboard the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft. He’ll be joined by Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev. Their mission: to the International Space Station (ISS), where they will work alongside the Expedition 73 crew.
The launch will happen from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 4:27 a.m. EST. You can watch it live on platforms like NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.
After a brief three-hour journey, they’ll dock with the station’s Rassvet module around 7:38 a.m. Hatches will open soon after, allowing them to join other crew members, including NASA astronauts Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman, and Jonny Kim.
Once on board, the team will work on a range of scientific projects. Chris Williams will help test a new workout system designed for long missions, conduct experiments, and assist in developing safety protocols for future missions. This is especially relevant as NASA prepares for more ambitious deep space missions, including those aimed at returning humans to the Moon and eventually sending crews to Mars.
The ISS has seen over 25 years of continuous human habitation, contributing to scientific advancements that benefit life on Earth. According to a 2022 NASA report, research conducted in microgravity has led to breakthroughs in fields like medicine and materials science. For instance, growing protein crystals in space has provided insights that can improve disease treatments.
Overall, this new expedition not only advances space exploration but also supports the growth of a robust commercial space economy. As companies increasingly provide transportation and facilities in low-Earth orbit, NASA is positioning itself to push the boundaries of human exploration.
For more insights into ongoing research and operations aboard the ISS, visit NASA’s International Space Station page.
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Humans in Space, International Space Station (ISS)
