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JSC2013-E-076000 (18 June 2013) --- NASA astronaut Steve Swanson (left) along with Russian cosmonauts Alexander Skvortsov (center) and Oleg Artemyev, all Expedition 37 backup crew members, attired in Russian Sokol launch and entry suits, take a break from training in Star City, Russia to pose for a portrait. Photo credit: Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center jsc2013e076000

JSC2013-E-076000 (18 June 2013) --- NASA astronaut Steve Swanson (left...

JSC2013-E-076000 (18 June 2013) --- NASA astronaut Steve Swanson (left) along with Russian cosmonauts Alexander Skvortsov (center) and Oleg Artemyev, all Expedition 37 backup crew members, attired in Russian So... More

JSC2013-E-076003 (20 June 2013) --- Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, Expedition 37 backup crew member, attired in a Russian Sokol launch and entry suit, takes a break from training in Star City, Russia to pose for a portrait. Photo credit: Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center jsc2013e076003

JSC2013-E-076003 (20 June 2013) --- Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, E...

JSC2013-E-076003 (20 June 2013) --- Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, Expedition 37 backup crew member, attired in a Russian Sokol launch and entry suit, takes a break from training in Star City, Russia to pose ... More

PHOTO DATE: 07-12-13 LOCATION: Bldg. 8, Room 183 - Photo Studio SUBJECT: Official Expedition 39 crew portrait with (Soyuz 37) Mikhail Tyurin, Rick Mastrachhio, Koichi Wakata (JAXA) and (Soyuz 38) Alexander Skvortsov, Oleg Artemyev, Steve Swanson. PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD iss039-s-002

PHOTO DATE: 07-12-13 LOCATION: Bldg. 8, Room 183 - Photo Studio SUBJE...

PHOTO DATE: 07-12-13 LOCATION: Bldg. 8, Room 183 - Photo Studio SUBJECT: Official Expedition 39 crew portrait with (Soyuz 37) Mikhail Tyurin, Rick Mastrachhio, Koichi Wakata (JAXA) and (Soyuz 38) Alexander Skv... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 37/38 backup crewmembers Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov (center) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev clasp hands Sept. 3 during a round of qualification exams. The trio is serving as backups to the prime crew – Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov, Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy and Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA -- who will launch to the International Space Station Sept. 26 in their Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakshtan. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e079231

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 37/38 backup crewmembers Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov (center) and Flight Engineer Oleg Ar... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 37/38 backup Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov (center) signs in Sept. 3 to initiate a round of qualification exams as his backup crewmates, NASA Flight Engineer Steve Swanson (left) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev (right) look on. The trio is serving as backups to the prime crew – Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov, Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy and Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA -- who will launch to the International Space Station Sept. 26 in their Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakshtan. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e079230

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 37/38 backup Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov (center) signs in Sept. 3 to initiate a round of qualification exams as his backup crew... More

On a rainy day at Red Square in Moscow, Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA poses for pictures Sept. 6 in front of St. Basil’s Cathedral during a traditional trip to lay flowers at the Kremlin Wall where Russian space icons are interred. In the background is backup crewmember Oleg Artemyev. Hopkins, Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov and Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Sept. 26, Kazakh time, aboard the Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e080232

On a rainy day at Red Square in Moscow, Expedition 37/38 Flight Engine...

On a rainy day at Red Square in Moscow, Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA poses for pictures Sept. 6 in front of St. Basil’s Cathedral during a traditional trip to lay flowers at the Krem... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 37/38 Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov (front row, center) signs a certification book in a traditional ceremony Sept. 6 as his prime and backup crewmates look on. In the front row are prime crewmates NASA Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins (left) and Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy (right). In the back row are backup crewmembers Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Alexander Skvortsov (center) and Oleg Artemyev (right). Hopkins, Kotov and Ryazanskiy are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Sept. 26, Kazakh time, aboard the Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e080229

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 37/38 Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov (front row, center) signs a certification book in a traditional ceremony Sept. 6 as his prime and backu... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 37/38 backup Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left) signs a certification book in a traditional ceremony Sept. 6 as his Soyuz Commander, Alexander Skvortsov (center) and backup Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev (right) look on. The trio is serving as backups to the prime crewmembers --- NASA Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA, Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov and Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy, who are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Sept. 26, Kazakh time, aboard the Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e080231

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 37/38 backup Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left) signs a certification book in a traditional ceremony Sept. 6 as his Soyuz Comm... More

At the Kremlin Wall at Red Square in Moscow, Five of the six Expedition 37/38 prime and backup crewmembers pose for pictures Sept. 6 during the traditional visit to lay flowers at the wall where Russian space icons are interred. With the onion domed spires of St. Basil’s Cathedral in the background, from left to right are backup NASA Flight Engineer Steve Swanson, prime Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA, prime Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov, prime Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy and backup Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev. Hopkins, Kotov and Ryazanskiy are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Sept. 26, Kazakh time, aboard the Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e080238

At the Kremlin Wall at Red Square in Moscow, Five of the six Expeditio...

At the Kremlin Wall at Red Square in Moscow, Five of the six Expedition 37/38 prime and backup crewmembers pose for pictures Sept. 6 during the traditional visit to lay flowers at the wall where Russian space i... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy (right, front row) signs a certification book in a traditional ceremony Sept. 6 as his prime and backup crewmates look on. In the front row are prime crewmates NASA Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins (left) and Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov (center). In the back row are backup crewmembers Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Alexander Skvortsov (center) and Oleg Artemyev (right). Hopkins, Kotov and Ryazanskiy are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Sept. 26, Kazakh time, aboard the Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e080228

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy (right, front row) signs a certification book in a traditional ceremony Sept. 6 as his prime and... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, the Expedition 37/38 prime and backup crewmembers pose for pictures in front of the statue of Vladimir Lenin Sept. 13 following a departure ceremony at their training base for a flight to the launch site at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. From left to right are backup Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev, backup Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov, backup Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA, prime Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA, prime Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov and prime Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy. Hopkins, Kotov and Ryazanskiy will launch from Baikonur Sept. 26, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft for a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e087557

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, the Exp...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, the Expedition 37/38 prime and backup crewmembers pose for pictures in front of the statue of Vladimir Lenin Sept. 13 following a departure ceremon... More

At an airport near their launch site at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Expedition 37/38 prime and backup crewmembers pose for pictures Sept. 13 after arriving in Baikonur on a flight from their training base outside Moscow. From left to right are backup Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev, backup Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov, backup Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA, prime Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA, prime Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov and prime Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy. Hopkins, Kotov and Ryazanskiy will launch from Baikonur Sept. 26, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft for a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e087550

At an airport near their launch site at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kaz...

At an airport near their launch site at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Expedition 37/38 prime and backup crewmembers pose for pictures Sept. 13 after arriving in Baikonur on a flight from their trai... More

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA (front left), Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov (front center) and Sergey Ryazanskiy (front right) pose for pictures with their backup crewmembers Sept. 14 during a “fit check” dress rehearsal exercise. The backups standing behind the prime crew are Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Artemyev. Hopkins, Kotov and Ryazanskiy are preparing for launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time, from Baikonur on their Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft to begin a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e087828

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 37/38 Flight Engi...

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA (front left), Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov (front center) and Sergey Ryazanskiy (front right) pose for pictures w... More

At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the Expedition 37/38 prime and backup crewmembers prepare to raise the U.S., Russian and Kazakh flags Sept. 15 in a traditional ceremony. From left to right are prime Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov, prime Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA, his backup, Steve Swanson of NASA and backup Alexander Skvortsov (far right). Hidden from view are prime Flight Engineer Sergei Ryazanskiy and his backup, Oleg Artemyev. Hopkins, Kotov and Ryazanskiy are preparing for launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time, from Baikonur on their Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft to begin a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e087833

At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the Ex...

At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the Expedition 37/38 prime and backup crewmembers prepare to raise the U.S., Russian and Kazakh flags Sept. 15 in a traditional ceremony. From lef... More

At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the Expedition 37/38 prime and backup crewmembers participate in ceremonies following the traditional raising of U.S., Russian and Kazakh flags Sept. 15. From left to right are prime crewmembers Michael Hopkins of NASA, Oleg Kotov and Sergey Ryazanskiy and their backups, Steve Swanson of NASA, Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Artemyev. Hopkins, Kotov and Ryazanskiy are preparing for launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time, from Baikonur on their Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft to begin a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e087835

At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the Ex...

At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the Expedition 37/38 prime and backup crewmembers participate in ceremonies following the traditional raising of U.S., Russian and Kazakh flags Se... More

Dressed in traditional Kazakh garb, Expedition 37/38 backup crewmembers Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Alexander Skvortsov (center) and Oleg Artemyev (right) enjoy festivities and a Kazakh meal in Baikonur, Kazakhstan Sept. 17. Swanson, Skvortsov and Artemyev are serving as backups to the prime crewmembers, Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA, Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov and Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy, who are preparing for launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft for a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e087840

Dressed in traditional Kazakh garb, Expedition 37/38 backup crewmember...

Dressed in traditional Kazakh garb, Expedition 37/38 backup crewmembers Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Alexander Skvortsov (center) and Oleg Artemyev (right) enjoy festivities and a Kazakh meal in Baikonur, Kaza... More

Expedition 37/38 backup crewmembers Oleg Artemyev (left), Alexander Skvortsov (center) and Steve Swanson of NASA (right) pose for pictures in front of a statue of Yuri Gagarin, the first human to fly in space, during a tour of the city of Baikonur, Kazakhstan Sept. 17. The trio is serving as backups to the prime crewmembers, Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA, Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov and Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy, who are preparing for launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft for a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e087836

Expedition 37/38 backup crewmembers Oleg Artemyev (left), Alexander Sk...

Expedition 37/38 backup crewmembers Oleg Artemyev (left), Alexander Skvortsov (center) and Steve Swanson of NASA (right) pose for pictures in front of a statue of Yuri Gagarin, the first human to fly in space, ... More

Expedition 37/38 backup crewmember Steve Swanson of NASA signs a wall mural depicting a Soyuz rocket during a tour of the famed Korolev Museum at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan Sept. 17. Swanson, Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Artemyev are serving as backups to the prime crewmembers, Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA, Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov and Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy, who are preparing for launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft for a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e087839

Expedition 37/38 backup crewmember Steve Swanson of NASA signs a wall ...

Expedition 37/38 backup crewmember Steve Swanson of NASA signs a wall mural depicting a Soyuz rocket during a tour of the famed Korolev Museum at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan Sept. 17. Swanson, Alexand... More

Expedition 37/38 backup crewmember Steve Swanson of NASA views a model of a Soyuz rocket during a tour of the famed Korolev Museum at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan Sept. 17. Swanson, Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Artemyev are serving as backups to the prime crewmembers, Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA, Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov and Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy, who are preparing for launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft for a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e087838

Expedition 37/38 backup crewmember Steve Swanson of NASA views a model...

Expedition 37/38 backup crewmember Steve Swanson of NASA views a model of a Soyuz rocket during a tour of the famed Korolev Museum at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan Sept. 17. Swanson, Alexander Skvortsov... More

Expedition 37/38 backup crewmembers Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Alexander Skvortsov (center) and Oleg Artemyev (right) pay tribute at the statue of Sergei Korolev, the legendary Russian space designer, during a tour of the city of Baikonur, Kazakhstan Sept. 17. The trio is serving as backups to the prime crewmembers, Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA, Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov and Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy, who are preparing for launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft for a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e087837

Expedition 37/38 backup crewmembers Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Alex...

Expedition 37/38 backup crewmembers Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Alexander Skvortsov (center) and Oleg Artemyev (right) pay tribute at the statue of Sergei Korolev, the legendary Russian space designer, during... More

Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA (front row, left), Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov (front row, center) and Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy (front row, right) lead a procession down the “Walk of Cosmonauts” behind their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan Sept. 18. Behind the trio are their backups from left to right, Steve Swanson of NASA, Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Artemyev. Hopkins, Kotov and Ryazanskiy are set to launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on their Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft for a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e087987

Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA (front row, l...

Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA (front row, left), Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov (front row, center) and Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy (front row, right) lead a procession down the “Wa... More

Under the watchful eye of backup crewmember Oleg Artemyev (right), Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA plays a game of badminton at the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan Sept. 18. Hopkins, Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov and Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy are set to launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on their Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft for a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e087984

Under the watchful eye of backup crewmember Oleg Artemyev (right), Exp...

Under the watchful eye of backup crewmember Oleg Artemyev (right), Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA plays a game of badminton at the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan... More

Under the watchful eye of backup crewmember Oleg Artemyev (rear), Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA plays a game of billiards at the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan Sept. 18. Hopkins, Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov and Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy are set to launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on their Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft for a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e087983

Under the watchful eye of backup crewmember Oleg Artemyev (rear), Expe...

Under the watchful eye of backup crewmember Oleg Artemyev (rear), Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA plays a game of billiards at the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan ... More

Touring the Korolev Museum at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Expedition 37/38 prime and backup crewmembers pose for pictures by an old Russian launch and entry suit Sept. 20. From left to right are prime Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA, prime Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov, prime Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy and backup crewmembers Oleg Artemyev, Alexander Skvortsov and Steve Swanson of NASA. Hopkins, Kotov and Ryazanskiy are preparing for launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft to begin a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e088574

Touring the Korolev Museum at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, t...

Touring the Korolev Museum at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Expedition 37/38 prime and backup crewmembers pose for pictures by an old Russian launch and entry suit Sept. 20. From left to right are ... More

The prime and backup Expedition 37/38 crewmembers pose for pictures in front of the first stage engines of the Soyuz booster rocket in the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan Sept. 20. From left to right are backup Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev, prime Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA, prime Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov, prime Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy, backup So6yuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov and backup Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA. Hopkins, Kotov and Ryazanskiy completed a final “fit check” inspection of their Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft, preparing for launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time, to begin a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e088572

The prime and backup Expedition 37/38 crewmembers pose for pictures in...

The prime and backup Expedition 37/38 crewmembers pose for pictures in front of the first stage engines of the Soyuz booster rocket in the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan Sept. 20.... More

JSC2014-E-021430 (14 Nov. 2013) --- NASA astronaut Steve Swanson (left), Expedition 39 flight engineer and Expedition 40 commander; along with Russian cosmonauts Alexander Skvortsov (center) and Oleg Artemyev, both Expedition 39/40 flight engineers, attired in Russian Sokol launch and entry suits, take a break from training in Star City, Russia to pose for a crew portrait. Photo credit: Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center jsc2014e021430

JSC2014-E-021430 (14 Nov. 2013) --- NASA astronaut Steve Swanson (left...

JSC2014-E-021430 (14 Nov. 2013) --- NASA astronaut Steve Swanson (left), Expedition 39 flight engineer and Expedition 40 commander; along with Russian cosmonauts Alexander Skvortsov (center) and Oleg Artemyev, ... More

JSC2014-E-021422 (14 Nov. 2013) --- Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, Expedition 39/40 flight engineer, attired in a Russian Sokol launch and entry suit, takes a break from training in Star City, Russia to pose for a portrait. Photo credit: Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center jsc2014e021422

JSC2014-E-021422 (14 Nov. 2013) --- Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, E...

JSC2014-E-021422 (14 Nov. 2013) --- Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, Expedition 39/40 flight engineer, attired in a Russian Sokol launch and entry suit, takes a break from training in Star City, Russia to pose ... More

PHOTO DATE: 01-22-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 2N, Press Conf. Room SUBJECT: Expedition 40 (Soyuz 38) press conference with Steve Swanson (NASA), Alexander Skvortsov (RSA), and Oleg Artemyev (RSA). PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD jsc2014e008217

PHOTO DATE: 01-22-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 2N, Press Conf. Room SUBJECT: ...

PHOTO DATE: 01-22-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 2N, Press Conf. Room SUBJECT: Expedition 40 (Soyuz 38) press conference with Steve Swanson (NASA), Alexander Skvortsov (RSA), and Oleg Artemyev (RSA). PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD

PHOTO DATE: 01-22-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 2N, Press Conf. Room SUBJECT: Expedition 40 (Soyuz 38) press conference with Steve Swanson (NASA), Alexander Skvortsov (RSA), and Oleg Artemyev (RSA). PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD jsc2014e008214

PHOTO DATE: 01-22-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 2N, Press Conf. Room SUBJECT: ...

PHOTO DATE: 01-22-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 2N, Press Conf. Room SUBJECT: Expedition 40 (Soyuz 38) press conference with Steve Swanson (NASA), Alexander Skvortsov (RSA), and Oleg Artemyev (RSA). PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD

PHOTO DATE: 01-22-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 2N, Press Conf. Room SUBJECT: Expedition 40 (Soyuz 38) press conference with Steve Swanson (NASA), Alexander Skvortsov (RSA), and Oleg Artemyev (RSA). PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD jsc2014e008216

PHOTO DATE: 01-22-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 2N, Press Conf. Room SUBJECT: ...

PHOTO DATE: 01-22-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 2N, Press Conf. Room SUBJECT: Expedition 40 (Soyuz 38) press conference with Steve Swanson (NASA), Alexander Skvortsov (RSA), and Oleg Artemyev (RSA). PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD

PHOTO DATE: 01-22-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 2N, Press Conf. Room SUBJECT: Expedition 40 (Soyuz 38) press conference with Steve Swanson (NASA), Alexander Skvortsov (RSA), and Oleg Artemyev (RSA). PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD jsc2014e008215

PHOTO DATE: 01-22-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 2N, Press Conf. Room SUBJECT: ...

PHOTO DATE: 01-22-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 2N, Press Conf. Room SUBJECT: Expedition 40 (Soyuz 38) press conference with Steve Swanson (NASA), Alexander Skvortsov (RSA), and Oleg Artemyev (RSA). PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD

PHOTO DATE: 01-22-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 2N, Press Conf. Room SUBJECT: Expedition 40 (Soyuz 38) press conference with Steve Swanson (NASA), Alexander Skvortsov (RSA), and Oleg Artemyev (RSA). PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD jsc2014e008186

PHOTO DATE: 01-22-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 2N, Press Conf. Room SUBJECT: ...

PHOTO DATE: 01-22-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 2N, Press Conf. Room SUBJECT: Expedition 40 (Soyuz 38) press conference with Steve Swanson (NASA), Alexander Skvortsov (RSA), and Oleg Artemyev (RSA). PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD

PHOTO DATE: 01-22-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 2N, Press Conf. Room SUBJECT: Expedition 40 (Soyuz 38) press conference with Steve Swanson (NASA), Alexander Skvortsov (RSA), and Oleg Artemyev (RSA). PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD jsc2014e008197

PHOTO DATE: 01-22-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 2N, Press Conf. Room SUBJECT: ...

PHOTO DATE: 01-22-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 2N, Press Conf. Room SUBJECT: Expedition 40 (Soyuz 38) press conference with Steve Swanson (NASA), Alexander Skvortsov (RSA), and Oleg Artemyev (RSA). PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD

PHOTO DATE: 01-22-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 2N, Press Conf. Room SUBJECT: Expedition 40 (Soyuz 38) press conference with Steve Swanson (NASA), Alexander Skvortsov (RSA), and Oleg Artemyev (RSA). PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD jsc2014e008185

PHOTO DATE: 01-22-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 2N, Press Conf. Room SUBJECT: ...

PHOTO DATE: 01-22-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 2N, Press Conf. Room SUBJECT: Expedition 40 (Soyuz 38) press conference with Steve Swanson (NASA), Alexander Skvortsov (RSA), and Oleg Artemyev (RSA). PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD

PHOTO DATE: 01-22-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 2N, Press Conf. Room SUBJECT: Expedition 40 (Soyuz 38) press conference with Steve Swanson (NASA), Alexander Skvortsov (RSA), and Oleg Artemyev (RSA). PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD jsc2014e008199

PHOTO DATE: 01-22-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 2N, Press Conf. Room SUBJECT: ...

PHOTO DATE: 01-22-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 2N, Press Conf. Room SUBJECT: Expedition 40 (Soyuz 38) press conference with Steve Swanson (NASA), Alexander Skvortsov (RSA), and Oleg Artemyev (RSA). PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov (center) and NASA Flight Engineer Steve Swanson (right) wave to reporters March 4 at the start of two days of qualification exams. The trio is preparing for launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on March 26, Kazakh time in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024134

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov (center) and NASA Flight Engineer Steve Swa... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 backup crewmember Elena Serova of Roscosmos signs in for the first of two days of qualification exams March 4 as her crewmate, Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev looks on. The prime crew – Steve Swanson of NASA and Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are preparing to launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on March 26, Kazakh time, on their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024129

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 backup crewmember Elena Serova of Roscosmos signs in for the first of two days of qualification exams March 4 as her crewmate, Soy... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 backup crewmembers Barry Wilmore of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev of Roscosmos (center) and Flight Engineer Elena Serova of Roscosmos (right) report to Russian space officials March 4 as they prepare to conduct the first of two days of qualification exams. The prime crew – Steve Swanson of NASA and Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are preparing to launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to the International Space Station on March 26, Kazakh time, on their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024127

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 backup crewmembers Barry Wilmore of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev of Roscosmos (center) and Flight Engineer E... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 backup crewmembers Barry Wilmore of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev of Roscosmos (center) and Flight Engineer Elena Serova of Roscosmos (right) clasp hands at the start of the first day of qualification exams March 4. The prime crew – Steve Swanson of NASA and Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are preparing to launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on March 26, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024130

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 backup crewmembers Barry Wilmore of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev of Roscosmos (center) and Flight Engineer E... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 backup crewmember and Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev of Roscosmos (foreground) signs in for the first of two days of qualification exams March 4 as his crewmate, Elena Serova of Roscosmos looks on. The prime crew – Steve Swanson of NASA and Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are preparing to launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to the International Space Station on March 26, Kazakh time, on their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024128

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 backup crewmember and Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev of Roscosmos (foreground) signs in for the first of two days of qualif... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov (left), Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (center) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos listen to instructions from Russian space officials at the start of qualification exams March 4. The trio is preparing for launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on March 26, Kazakh time in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024133

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov (left), Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (center) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Ro... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, the image of Yuri Gagarin, the first human to fly in space, looms over Expedition 39/40 backup Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev of Roscosmos as he and his crewmates began two days of qualification exams March 4. The prime crew – Steve Swanson of NASA and Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are preparing to launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on March 26, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024131

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, the ima...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, the image of Yuri Gagarin, the first human to fly in space, looms over Expedition 39/40 backup Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev of Roscosmos a... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (center) signs in for the start of qualification exams March 4 as his crewmates, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (left) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (right) look on. The trio is preparing for launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on March 26, Kazakh time in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024132

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (center) signs in for the start of qualification exams March 4 as his crewmates, Soyuz Comma... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos studies a flight plan March 5 as he and his crewmates, NASA Flight Engineer Steve Swanson and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos conducted final qualification exams. They are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Star City, Russia March 26, Kazakh time, on the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024820

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos studies a flight plan March 5 as he and his crewmates, NASA Flight Engineer Steve... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia and with the visage of Yuri Gagarin, the first human to fly in space, looking down on them, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (center) and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (right) clasp hands March 5 prior to qualification exams. They are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Star City, Russia March 26, Kazakh time, on the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024817

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia and with...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia and with the visage of Yuri Gagarin, the first human to fly in space, looking down on them, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (... More

JSC2014-E-024812 (5 March 2014) --- At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (right) signs in for final qualification exams March 5 as his crewmate, NASA Flight Engineer Steve Swanson looks on. Skvortsov, Swanson and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan March 26, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. Photo credit: NASA jsc2014e024812

JSC2014-E-024812 (5 March 2014) --- At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training ...

JSC2014-E-024812 (5 March 2014) --- At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (right) signs in for final qualification exam... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left) signs in for qualification exams March 5 as his crewmates, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (center) and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (right) look on. They are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Star City, Russia March 26, Kazakh time, on the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024813

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left) signs in for qualification exams March 5 as his crewmates, Soyuz Commander Alexander ... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos smiles before entering a Soyuz spacecraft simulator during qualification exams March 5. Skvortsov, NASA Flight Engineer Steve Swanson and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Star City, Russia March 26, Kazakh time, on the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024819

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos smiles before entering a Soyuz spacecraft simulator during qualification exams Ma... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia and with the visage of Yuri Gagarin, the first human to fly in space, looking down on them, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (center) and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (right) field questions from reporters March 5 prior to qualification exams. They are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Star City, Russia March 26, Kazakh time, on the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024816

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia and with...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia and with the visage of Yuri Gagarin, the first human to fly in space, looking down on them, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia and with the visage of Yuri Gagarin, the first human to fly in space, looking down on them, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (center) and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (right) field questions from reporters March 5 prior to qualification exams. They are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Star City, Russia March 26, Kazakh time, on the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024815

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia and with...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia and with the visage of Yuri Gagarin, the first human to fly in space, looking down on them, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, a flight instructor monitors the progress of qualification exams for the Expedition 39/40 crewmembers March 5 as the crew heads into the homestretch of its training. Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Star City, Russia March 26, Kazakh time, on the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024821

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, a fligh...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, a flight instructor monitors the progress of qualification exams for the Expedition 39/40 crewmembers March 5 as the crew heads into the homestretc... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos smiles before entering a Soyuz spacecraft simulator during qualification exams March 5. Skvortsov, NASA Flight Engineer Steve Swanson and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Star City, Russia March 26, Kazakh time, on the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024818

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos smiles before entering a Soyuz spacecraft simulator during qualification exams Ma... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (center) and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (right) field questions from reporters March 5 prior to qualification exams. They are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Star City, Russia March 26, Kazakh time, on the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024814

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (center) and Oleg Artemyev of Rosco... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, flight instructors monitor the progress of qualification exams for the Expedition 39/40 crewmembers March 5 as the crew heads into the homestretch of its training. Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Star City, Russia March 26, Kazakh time, on the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024822

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, flight ...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, flight instructors monitor the progress of qualification exams for the Expedition 39/40 crewmembers March 5 as the crew heads into the homestretch ... More

Taking time out from their ceremonial activities at the Kremlin in Moscow, Expedition 39/40 crewmembers Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (center) and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (right) pose for pictures by the Kremlin Wall March 6 where Russian space icons are interred. Swanson, Skvortsov and Artemyev are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan March 26, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024980

Taking time out from their ceremonial activities at the Kremlin in Mos...

Taking time out from their ceremonial activities at the Kremlin in Moscow, Expedition 39/40 crewmembers Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (center) and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (ri... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 backup crewmembers Elena Serova (second from the left) and Alexander Samokutyaev (third from the left) of Roscosmos share the microphone March 6 as they answer questions from reporters during a crew news conference. Joining the news conference was the head of GCTC, Sergei Krikalev (far left), NASA’s Barry Wilmore (second from the right) and an interpreter (far right). The prime crew, Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA, Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan March 26, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024967

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) in Star City, Russia, ...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 backup crewmembers Elena Serova (second from the left) and Alexander Samokutyaev (third from the left) of Roscosmos share t... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) in Star City, Russia, the Expedition 39/40 prime and backup crewmembers answer questions from reporters during a news conference March 6. From left to right are prime crewmembers Steve Swanson of NASA, Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos, Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos, GCTC head Sergei Krikalev, and backup crewmembers Elena Serova and Alexander Samokutyaev of Roscosmos and Barry Wilmore of NASA. Swanson, Skvortsov and Artemyev are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan March 26, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024968

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) in Star City, Russia, ...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) in Star City, Russia, the Expedition 39/40 prime and backup crewmembers answer questions from reporters during a news conference March 6. From left to right are p... More

Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (front, left), Alexander Samokutyaev of Roscosmos (front, center) and Oleg Artemyev (front, right) arrive at Red Square in Moscow by the Kremlin March 6 for the ceremonial laying of flowers at the Kremlin Wall in tribute to Russian space icons who are interred there. Swanson, Skvortsov and Artemyev are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan March 26, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024976

Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (front, left), ...

Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (front, left), Alexander Samokutyaev of Roscosmos (front, center) and Oleg Artemyev (front, right) arrive at Red Square in Moscow by the Kremlin March 6 fo... More

Striking a pose in front of St. Basil’s Cathedral at Red Square in Moscow, Expedition 39/40 crewmembers Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (center) and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (right) took time from ceremonial activities March 6 for a photo opportunity. Swanson, Skvortsov and Artemyev are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan March 26, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024982

Striking a pose in front of St. Basil’s Cathedral at Red Square in Mos...

Striking a pose in front of St. Basil’s Cathedral at Red Square in Moscow, Expedition 39/40 crewmembers Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (center) and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (ri... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (center) and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (right) clasp hands at the conclusion of a crew news conference March 6. Swanson, Skvortsov and Artemyev are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan March 26, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024969

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (center) and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (right) cla... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 backup Flight Engineer Barry Wilmore of NASA (front, left) signs a commemorative book at the center’s museum March 6 as his backup crewmates, Alexander Samokutyaev of Roscosmos (front, center) and Elena Serova of Roscosmos (front, right) look on. Also participating in the back row were prime crewmembers Steve Swanson of NASA (back, left), Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (back, center) and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (back, right). Swanson, Skvortsov and Artemyev are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan March 26, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024973

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 backup Flight Engineer Barry Wilmore of NASA (front, left) signs a commemorative book at the center’s museum March 6 as his backup... More

At the Kremlin Wall in Moscow, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos lays flowers in a tribute to Russian space icons who are interred there as part of ceremonial activities. Artmeyev, NASA Flight Engineer Steve Swanson and Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan March 26, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024979

At the Kremlin Wall in Moscow, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Oleg A...

At the Kremlin Wall in Moscow, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos lays flowers in a tribute to Russian space icons who are interred there as part of ceremonial activities. Artmeyev, NAS... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (front, left) signs a commemorative book at the center’s museum March 6 as his crewmates, Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (front, center) and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (front, right) look on. Also participating in the back row were backup crewmembers Barry Wilmore of NASA (back, left), Alexander Samokutyaev of Roscosmos (back, center) and Elena Serova of Roscosmos (back, right). Swanson, Skvortsov and Artemyev are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan March 26, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024971

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (front, left) signs a commemorative book at the center’s museum March 6 as his crewmates, Al... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 backup Flight Engineer Elena Serova of Roscosmos (front, right) signs a commemorative book at the center’s museum March 6 as her backup crewmates, Barry Wilmore of NASA (front, left) and Alexander Samokutyaev of Roscosmos (front, center) look on. Also participating in the back row were prime crewmembers Steve Swanson of NASA (back, left), Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (back, center) and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (back, right). Swanson, Skvortsov and Artemyev are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan March 26, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024972

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 backup Flight Engineer Elena Serova of Roscosmos (front, right) signs a commemorative book at the center’s museum March 6 as her b... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) in Star City, Russia, the Expedition 39/40 prime crewmembers pose for pictures at the Gagarin Museum March 6. From left to right are Steve Swanson of NASA, Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos. Swanson, Skvortsov and Artemyev are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan March 26, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024974

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) in Star City, Russia, ...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) in Star City, Russia, the Expedition 39/40 prime crewmembers pose for pictures at the Gagarin Museum March 6. From left to right are Steve Swanson of NASA, Alexan... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov (front, center) signs a commemorative book at the center’s museum March 6 as his crewmates, Steve Swanson of NASA (front, left) and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (front, right) look on. Also participating in the back row were backup crewmembers Barry Wilmore of NASA (back, left), Alexander Samokutyaev of Roscosmos (back, center) and Elena Serova of Roscosmos (back, right). Swanson, Skvortsov and Artemyev are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan March 26, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024970

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov (front, center) signs a commemorative book at the center’s museum March 6 as his crewmates, St... More

Taking time out from their ceremonial activities at the Kremlin in Moscow, Expedition 39/40 crewmembers Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (center) and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (right) pose for pictures in front of the Tsar Cannon March 6. Swanson, Skvortsov and Artemyev are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan March 26, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024981

Taking time out from their ceremonial activities at the Kremlin in Mos...

Taking time out from their ceremonial activities at the Kremlin in Moscow, Expedition 39/40 crewmembers Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (center) and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (ri... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) in Star City, Russia, the Expedition 39/40 prime and backup crewmembers pose for pictures at the Gagarin Museum March 6. From left to right are prime crewmembers Steve Swanson of NASA, Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos and Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos, and backup crewmembers Alexander Samokutyaev of Roscosmos, Elena Serova of Roscosmos and Barry Wilmore of NASA. Swanson, Skvortsov and Artemyev are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan March 26, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e024975

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) in Star City, Russia, ...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) in Star City, Russia, the Expedition 39/40 prime and backup crewmembers pose for pictures at the Gagarin Museum March 6. From left to right are prime crewmembers ... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, the Expedition 39/40 prime crewmembers and family members walk to a bus March 13 before boarding a plane for the flight to their launch site at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. From left to right in the front row are NASA Flight Engineer Steve Swanson, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), his wife, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos and his daughter. Swanson, Skvortsov and Artemyev will launch to the International Space Station March 26, Kazakh time , in the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e025847

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, the Exp...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, the Expedition 39/40 prime crewmembers and family members walk to a bus March 13 before boarding a plane for the flight to their launch site at the... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov (right) of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) walks with his wife March 13 as he prepares to board a bus for a nearby airport and a flight to the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for final training along with his crewmates, NASA’s Steve Swanson and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos. The trio will launch to the International Space Station on March 26, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e025852

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov (right) of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) walks with his wife March 13 as he pre... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA waves goodbye March 13 as he boarded a bus to go a nearby airfield for the flight to the launch site at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Boarding ahead of Swanson on the right is Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos). Swanson, Skvortsov and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos will launch to the International Space Station March 26, Kazakh time , in the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e025854

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA waves goodbye March 13 as he boarded a bus to go a nearby airfield for the flight to the lau... More

With the statue of Vladimir Lenin serving as a backdrop at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (third from left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos, fourth from left) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev (far right) field questions from reporters March 13 before boarding a plane for the flight to their launch site at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Looking on are backup crewmembers Alexander Samokutyaev of Roscosmos (far left) and Elena Serova (second from left). Swanson, Skvortsov and Artemyev will launch to the International Space Station March 26, Kazakh time , in the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e025851

With the statue of Vladimir Lenin serving as a backdrop at the Gagarin...

With the statue of Vladimir Lenin serving as a backdrop at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (third from left), Soyuz Commander A... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov (right) of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) kisses his wife March 13 as he prepares to board a bus for a nearby airport and a flight to the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for final training along with his crewmates, NASA’s Steve Swanson and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos. The trio will launch to the International Space Station on March 26, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e025853

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedit...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov (right) of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) kisses his wife March 13 as he prepare... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, the Expedition 39/40 prime and backup crewmembers and family members walk to a bus March 13 before boarding a plane for the flight to their launch site at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The prime crewmembers are NASA Flight Engineer Steve Swanson (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos; foreground center) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (second from the right). Swanson, Skvortsov and Artemyev will launch to the International Space Station March 26, Kazakh time , in the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e025848

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, the Exp...

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, the Expedition 39/40 prime and backup crewmembers and family members walk to a bus March 13 before boarding a plane for the flight to their launch ... More

With the statue of Vladimir Lenin serving as a backdrop at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, a throng of well-wishers say goodbye to the Expedition 39/40 prime and backup crewmembers March 13 after they boarded a bus to go a nearby airfield for the flight to their launch site at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Prime crewmembers Steve Swanson of NASA, Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos will launch to the International Space Station March 26, Kazakh time , in the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e025855

With the statue of Vladimir Lenin serving as a backdrop at the Gagarin...

With the statue of Vladimir Lenin serving as a backdrop at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, a throng of well-wishers say goodbye to the Expedition 39/40 prime and backup crewmembers M... More

Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos; center) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (right) are greeted by Russian space officials March 13 after stepping off their plane at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan March 13 following a flight from their training base in Star City, Russia. Swanson, Artemyev and Skvortsov are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station March 26, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e025976

Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Soyuz C...

Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos; center) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (right) ... More

With the statue of Vladimir Lenin serving as a backdrop at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos, center)) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev (right) pose for pictures March 13 before boarding a plane for the flight to their launch site at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Swanson, Skvortsov and Artemyev will launch to the International Space Station March 26, Kazakh time , in the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e025849

With the statue of Vladimir Lenin serving as a backdrop at the Gagarin...

With the statue of Vladimir Lenin serving as a backdrop at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Sk... More

Flying from their training base in Star City, Russia to their launch site at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos; left), Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (center) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (right) pose for pictures March 13 next to the wall of the plane bearing a newly applied sticker with their mission insignia. Swanson, Artemyev and Skvortsov are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station March 26, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e025974

Flying from their training base in Star City, Russia to their launch s...

Flying from their training base in Star City, Russia to their launch site at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Rosc... More

Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos; center) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (right) step off their plane after arriving at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan March 13 following a flight from their training base in Star City, Russia. Swanson, Artemyev and Skvortsov are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station March 26, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e025975

Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Soyuz C...

Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos; center) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (right) ... More

Flying from their training base in Star City, Russia to their launch site at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos; right) apply a sticker bearing their mission insignia to the wall of their plane March 13. Swanson, Artemyev and Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (hidden) are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station March 26, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e025973

Flying from their training base in Star City, Russia to their launch s...

Flying from their training base in Star City, Russia to their launch site at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemye... More

With the statue of Vladimir Lenin serving as a backdrop at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, the Expedition 39/40 prime and backup crewmembers pose for pictures March 13 before boarding a plane for the flight to their launch site at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. From left to right are backup crewmembers Barry Wilmore of NASA and Alexander Samokutyaev and Elena Serova of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), and prime crewmembers Steve Swanson of NASA, Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos. Swanson, Skvortsov and Artemyev will launch to the International Space Station March 26, Kazakh time , in the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e025850

With the statue of Vladimir Lenin serving as a backdrop at the Gagarin...

With the statue of Vladimir Lenin serving as a backdrop at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, the Expedition 39/40 prime and backup crewmembers pose for pictures March 13 before boardi... More

2014-03-14-12-55-32[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA undergoes a pressure check for his Russian Sokol launch and entry suit during a “fit check” dress rehearsal March 14 that is part of the crew’s training. Swanson, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station March 26 (Kazakh time) for the start of a six-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e026279

2014-03-14-12-55-32[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cos...

2014-03-14-12-55-32[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA undergoes a pressure check for his Russian Sokol launch and en... More

2014-03-14-12-25-11-2[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA suits up March 14 for a “fit check” dress rehearsal exercise that is part of the crew’s final training. Swanson, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station March 26 (Kazakh time) for the start of a six-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e026277

2014-03-14-12-25-11-2[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur C...

2014-03-14-12-25-11-2[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA suits up March 14 for a “fit check” dress rehearsal exercise... More

2014-03-14-14-08-03[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA poses for a picture in the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft during a “fit check” dress rehearsal exercise March 14 that is part of the crew’s final training. Swanson, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station March 26 (Kazakh time) for the start of a six-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e026284

2014-03-14-14-08-03[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cos...

2014-03-14-14-08-03[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA poses for a picture in the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft during a “... More

2014-03-14-16-31-24-2[1] Outside the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos; right) discuss the use of binoculars and GPS equipment March 14 during a “fit check” dress rehearsal that is part of the crew’s final training. Swanson, Artemyev and Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov Roscosmos are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station March 26 (Kazakh time) for the start of a six-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e026286

2014-03-14-16-31-24-2[1] Outside the Integration Facility at the Baiko...

2014-03-14-16-31-24-2[1] Outside the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of the Russian... More

2014-03-14-12-56-05-2[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA undergoes a pressure check for his Russian Sokol launch and entry suit during a “fit check” dress rehearsal March 14 that is part of the crew’s training. Swanson, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station March 26 (Kazakh time) for the start of a six-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e026280

2014-03-14-12-56-05-2[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur C...

2014-03-14-12-56-05-2[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA undergoes a pressure check for his Russian Sokol launch and ... More

2014-03-14-12-58-20[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA undergoes a pressure check for his Russian Sokol launch and entry suit during a “fit check” dress rehearsal March 14 that is part of the crew’s training. Swanson, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station March 26 (Kazakh time) for the start of a six-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e026281

2014-03-14-12-58-20[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cos...

2014-03-14-12-58-20[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA undergoes a pressure check for his Russian Sokol launch and en... More

2014-03-14-10-48-03-3[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA reviews procedures in the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft during a “fit check” dress rehearsal exercise March 14 that is part of the crew’s final training. Swanson, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos; hidden from view) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (foreground) are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station March 26 (Kazakh time) for the start of a six-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e026276

2014-03-14-10-48-03-3[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur C...

2014-03-14-10-48-03-3[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA reviews procedures in the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft during a ... More

2014-03-14-12-43-15[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (right) shares a word with crewmate and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) during a “fit check” dress rehearsal March 14 that is part of the crew’s final training. Swanson, Artemyev and Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station March 26 (Kazakh time) for the start of a six-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e026278

2014-03-14-12-43-15[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cos...

2014-03-14-12-43-15[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (right) shares a word with crewmate and Flight Engineer Oleg A... More

2014-03-14-14-15-17[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA poses for a picture in the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft during a “fit check” dress rehearsal exercise March 14 that is part of the crew’s final training. Swanson, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station March 26 (Kazakh time) for the start of a six-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e026285

2014-03-14-14-15-17[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cos...

2014-03-14-14-15-17[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA poses for a picture in the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft during a “... More

2014-03-14-13-08-55-3[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left) shares a word with Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos; right) during a “fit check” dress rehearsal March 14 that is part of the crew’s training. Swanson, Skvortsov and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station March 26 (Kazakh time) for the start of a six-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e026282

2014-03-14-13-08-55-3[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur C...

2014-03-14-13-08-55-3[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left) shares a word with Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortso... More

2014-03-14-13-11-14-2[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos; center) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos pose for pictures March 14 following a “fit check” dress rehearsal that is part of the crew’s training. Swanson, Skvortsov and Artemyev are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station March 26 (Kazakh time) for the start of a six-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e026283

2014-03-14-13-11-14-2[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur C...

2014-03-14-13-11-14-2[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian F... More

2014-03-14-10-17-15-2[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA enters his Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft during a “fit check” dress rehearsal exercise March 14 that is part of the crew’s final training. Swanson, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station March 26 (Kazakh time) for the start of a six-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e026275

2014-03-14-10-17-15-2[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur C...

2014-03-14-10-17-15-2[1] In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA enters his Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft during a “fit check” dre... More

2014-03-15-11-03-42[1] At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, prime Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (right) and backup Barry Wilmore of NASA (center) raise the American flag March 15 in traditional ceremonies that are part of the crew’s training. Prime crew Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev (left) of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) looks on. Swanson, Artemyev and Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station March 26 (Kazakh time) for the start of a six-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e026288

2014-03-15-11-03-42[1] At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baiko...

2014-03-15-11-03-42[1] At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, prime Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (right) and backup Barry Wilmore of NASA (center) raise the Am... More

2014-03-15-11-04-32-3[1] At the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the flags of Russia, the United States and Kazakhstan fly high March 15 after a flag-raising ceremony that is part of traditional pre-launch activities. Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station March 26 (Kazakh time) for the start of a six-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e026289

2014-03-15-11-04-32-3[1] At the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baiko...

2014-03-15-11-04-32-3[1] At the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the flags of Russia, the United States and Kazakhstan fly high March 15 after a flag-raising ceremony that is part of tradi... More

2014-03-15-11-03-34-4[1] At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the Expedition 39/40 crewmembers raise the flags of Russia, the United States and Kazakhstan March 15 in traditional ceremonies that are part of the crew’s training. From left to right are Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA, and backup crewmembers Alexander Samokutyaev and Elena Serova of Roscosmos. Swanson, Skvortsov and Artemyev are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station March 26 (Kazakh time) for the start of a six-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e026287

2014-03-15-11-03-34-4[1] At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Bai...

2014-03-15-11-03-34-4[1] At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the Expedition 39/40 crewmembers raise the flags of Russia, the United States and Kazakhstan March 15 in traditional cere... More

2014-03-15-13-00-13[1] Wearing native garb, the Expedition 39/40 backup crewmembers partake in traditional ceremonies with a Kazakh host March 15 in Baikonur, Kazakhstan as pre-flight training for them and their prime crewmember colleagues continues. Barry Wilmore of NASA (second from left), Alexander Samokutyaev of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos; second from right) and Elena Serova of Roscosmos (far right) are the backups to Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos, who are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station March 26 (Kazakh time) for the start of a six-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e026290

2014-03-15-13-00-13[1] Wearing native garb, the Expedition 39/40 backu...

2014-03-15-13-00-13[1] Wearing native garb, the Expedition 39/40 backup crewmembers partake in traditional ceremonies with a Kazakh host March 15 in Baikonur, Kazakhstan as pre-flight training for them and thei... More

19-14-01-07-3: At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters, the Expedition 39/40 prime crewmembers pose for pictures March 19 as part of traditional activities leading to their launch to the International Space Station. From left to right are Steve Swanson of NASA, Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency ( Roscosmos) and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos. Swanson, Skvortsov and Artemyev are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station March 26, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e026904

19-14-01-07-3: At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters, the Expedition...

19-14-01-07-3: At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters, the Expedition 39/40 prime crewmembers pose for pictures March 19 as part of traditional activities leading to their launch to the International Space Sta... More

19-11-04-07: Assisted by an interpreter, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA reviews rendezvous procedures with a training instructor at his Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan March 19. Swanson, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station March 26, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e026893

19-11-04-07: Assisted by an interpreter, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engi...

19-11-04-07: Assisted by an interpreter, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA reviews rendezvous procedures with a training instructor at his Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakh... More

19-12-22-38-6: At his Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA gets in a workout March 19 as he prepares for launch to the International Space Station with his crewmates, Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Artemyev of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) on March 26, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e026897

19-12-22-38-6: At his Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kaza...

19-12-22-38-6: At his Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA gets in a workout March 19 as he prepares for launch to the International Spa... More

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