Russian Soyuz to Launch NASA Veteran Don Pettit to ISS After 10 Years

On September 11, an American astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts are set to launch on a six-month mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The trio, comprised of NASA astronaut Don Pettit and Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner, will depart at 12:23 p.m. EDT from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, riding aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft atop a Soyuz rocket.

This mission marks a significant journey for these experienced astronauts, as they will join the Expedition 71 crew already stationed at the ISS. The Soyuz spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the space station at around 3:33 p.m. EDT, with the hatches expected to open for a live stream event at approximately 5:30 p.m. EDT.

All three astronauts are veterans of space travel. This will be Pettit’s fourth journey into orbit, bringing his total time spent in space to an impressive 370 days. Vagner previously launched in 2020 as part of Expeditions 62 and 63. Similarly, Ovchinin has extensive experience with multiple missions aboard the Soyuz, participating in Expeditions 47 and 48 in 2016, as well as Expeditions 59 and 60 in 2019, which followed a safe abort during his Soyuz MS-10 launch in October 2018 due to a rocket issue.

Pettit’s first spaceflight began on November 23, 2002, during the STS-113 mission aboard the space shuttle Endeavour. This mission was initially set to last over two months but faced delays after the tragic Columbia disaster in February 2003. His return to Earth was complicated by a malfunction, resulting in a landing nearly 300 miles off course. He later participated in the shuttle mission STS-126 in November 2008 and was part of the Soyuz TMA-03M crew for Expeditions 30 and 31 from December 21, 2011, to July 1, 2012.

Earlier this year, a previous crewed Soyuz mission to the ISS was delayed due to technical difficulties, highlighting the complexities involved in space travel. However, the preparations for this launch have proceeded smoothly, allowing for a timely departure.

As Pettit embarks on this new mission, he shares a deep connection with space. He describes each journey to orbit as a unique experience, asserting that his role as an astronaut feels like a “home away from home.” He likens his passion for space travel to that of a cowboy longing to ride on the open range, declaring, “I need to be sitting on a rocket and flying in space.”

In returning to the ISS, Pettit plans to focus his photography on nighttime shots and aims to capture an unusual atmospheric phenomenon called STEVE (Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement), which he finds intriguing. Prior to launch, he engaged with fellow NASA astronauts currently aboard the station to gather insights about the advancements and changes that have occurred since his last visit a decade ago.

Pettit expressed surprise at how much more organized and cleaner the ISS has become, crediting improvements in software tools for stowage, inventory management, and overall operational efficiency compared to the past. He noted that the current crew was impressed with these enhancements to the station’s operations.

As he prepares for this mission, Pettit shows no intention of stepping away from space travel, recognizing the unique and profound sense of fulfillment it brings him. He reflects, “There’s just a certain facet of when I go into space that just fundamentally resonates with my soul.” This deep passion for exploration continues to drive his journey among the stars, as he embarks on yet another chapter of his career in space.