"New Horizons: NASA Astronaut Chris Williams and Crew Join the International Space Station"

NASA Astronaut Chris Williams and Crew Arrive at International Space Station

Baikonur, Kazakhstan – October 5, 2023 – NASA astronaut Chris Williams, alongside Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev, successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday, expanding the station’s crew to ten for the next two weeks. This mission marks a significant milestone in international collaboration in space exploration.

Launch Details

The trio launched aboard the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft at 4:27 a.m. EST (2:27 p.m. Baikonur time) from the historic Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. After a precise three-hour, two-orbit journey, the spacecraft docked at the ISS’s Rassvet module at 7:34 a.m. EST. This rapid transit is a testament to the advancements in spacecraft technology and mission planning.

Welcoming Ceremony

Following the expected hatch opening at approximately 10:10 a.m. EST, Williams, Kud-Sverchkov, and Mikaev will be welcomed aboard by the current Expedition 73 crew. This crew includes NASA astronauts Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman, and Jonny Kim, along with JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov, Alexey Zubritsky, and Oleg Platonov. The welcoming ceremony will be broadcast live, with coverage starting at 9:50 a.m. EST on various platforms, including NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.

Mission Objectives

During his stay aboard the ISS, Williams will engage in a variety of scientific research and technology demonstrations aimed at enhancing human space exploration and benefiting life on Earth. Key objectives include:

• Modular Workout System: Williams will assist in the installation and testing of a new modular workout system designed for long-duration missions. This system is crucial for maintaining astronaut health and fitness in microgravity.

• Cryogenic Fuel Efficiency: The mission will support experiments focused on improving cryogenic fuel efficiency, which is vital for future deep-space missions.

• Semiconductor Crystals: Williams will also help grow semiconductor crystals in space, a process that could lead to advancements in electronics and materials science.

• Re-entry Safety Protocols: Additionally, he will contribute to the design of new re-entry safety protocols aimed at protecting crews during future missions.

Upcoming Changes

Expedition 74 is set to commence on December 8, following the departure of Kim, Ryzhikov, and Zubritsky, who will conclude their eight-month science mission aboard the ISS. A change of command ceremony will take place on December 7 at 10:25 a.m. EST, where leadership will transfer from Ryzhikov to Fincke. This event will also be available for live viewing on NASA+.

Learn More

For more information about the International Space Station, its crews, research, and ongoing operations, visit NASA’s ISS page.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Jimi Russell
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
[email protected]

Sandra Jones / Joseph Zakrzewski
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
[email protected] / [email protected]

This mission exemplifies the ongoing commitment of NASA and its international partners to advance human presence in space, paving the way for future exploration and scientific discovery.