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AST-09-569 - Apollo Soyuz Test Project - Apollo Soyuz Test Project, USSR, Kazakh S.S.H., RSFSR, Semipalatinsk, Irtysh River

AST-09-569 - Apollo Soyuz Test Project - Apollo Soyuz Test Project, US...

The original database describes this as: Description: Apollo Soyuz Test Project (ASTP),USSR,Kazakh S.S.H.,RSFSR, Semipalatinsk, Irtysh River. Image taken on Revolution 56. Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) of Photo 20... More

AST-09-567 - Apollo Soyuz Test Project - Apollo Soyuz Test Project, USSR, Kazakh S.S.H., RSFSR, Semipalatinsk, Irtysh River

AST-09-567 - Apollo Soyuz Test Project - Apollo Soyuz Test Project, US...

The original database describes this as: Description: Apollo Soyuz Test Project (ASTP),USSR,Kazakh S.S.H.,RSFSR,Semipalatinsk, Irtysh River. Image taken on Revolution 56. Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) of Photo 200... More

AST-09-565 - Apollo Soyuz Test Project - Apollo Soyuz Test Project, USSR, Kazakh S.S.H., Caspian Sea, Poluostrov Mangyshlak

AST-09-565 - Apollo Soyuz Test Project - Apollo Soyuz Test Project, US...

The original database describes this as: Description: Apollo Soyuz Test Project (ASTP),USSR,Kazakh S.S.H., Caspian Sea,Poluostrov Mangyshlak. Image taken on Revolution 56. Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) of Photo 20... More

1610: At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 40/41 Flight Engineer Reid Wiseman of NASA waves to a crowd of well-wishers May 15 as he departs with his crewmates for their launch site at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for final pre-launch training. Wiseman, Alexander Gerst of the European Space Agency and Soyuz Commander Max Suraev of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) will launch on May 29, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-13M spacecraft from Baikonur for a 5 ½ month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e045106

1610: At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, ...

1610: At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 40/41 Flight Engineer Reid Wiseman of NASA waves to a crowd of well-wishers May 15 as he departs with his crewmates for their lau... More

#3234a - (30 October 2014) --- At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 42/43 backup Flight Engineer Kjell Lindgren of NASA answers questions from reporters in front of a Soyuz simulator October 30 as part of his final qualification exams for flight. He along with Oleg Kononenko of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Kimiya Yui of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (not pictured) are the backups to the prime crew --- Terry Virts of NASA, Anton Shkaplerov of Roscosmos and Samantha Cristoforetti of the European Space Agency --- who are in the final stages of training for launch November 24, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-15M spacecraft to begin a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e089253

#3234a - (30 October 2014) --- At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Cente...

#3234a - (30 October 2014) --- At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 42/43 backup Flight Engineer Kjell Lindgren of NASA answers questions from reporters in front of a Soyuz ... More

AST-30-2558 - Apollo Soyuz Test Project - Apollo Soyuz Test Project, USSR, Kazakh S.S.R., Beyneu, Hazy

AST-30-2558 - Apollo Soyuz Test Project - Apollo Soyuz Test Project, U...

The original database describes this as: Description: Apollo Soyuz Test Project (ASTP),United Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR), Kazakh S.S.R.,Beyneu,Hazy. Image taken on Revolution 74. Greenwich Mean Time (GMT... More

AST-30-2557 - Apollo Soyuz Test Project - Apollo Soyuz Test Project, USSR, Kazakh S.S.R., Peski Batpaysagyr, Hazy

AST-30-2557 - Apollo Soyuz Test Project - Apollo Soyuz Test Project, U...

The original database describes this as: Description: Apollo Soyuz Test Project (ASTP),United Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR), Kazakh S.S.R.,Peski Batpaysagyr,Hazy. Image taken on Revolution 74. Greenwich Mea... More

(9 March 2014) --- The statue of Yuri Gagarin, the first human to fly in space, looms over the town square in Karaganda, Kazakhstan March 9 as officials prepared to commemorate him on his 80th birthday. Gagarin, who died in an aircraft training accident in 1968, was launched into the history books from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on April 12, 1961. NASA astronauts and officials were in Karaganda for the commemoration in advance of supporting the landing March 11, Kazakh time, of Expedition 38 crew members Oleg Kotov, Sergey Ryazanskiy and NASA’s Michael Hopkins in their Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA jsc2014e025526

(9 March 2014) --- The statue of Yuri Gagarin, the first human to fly ...

(9 March 2014) --- The statue of Yuri Gagarin, the first human to fly in space, looms over the town square in Karaganda, Kazakhstan March 9 as officials prepared to commemorate him on his 80th birthday. Gagarin... More

AST-09-566 - Apollo Soyuz Test Project - Apollo Soyuz Test Project, USSR, Kazakh S.S.H., Caspian Sea, Poluostrov Buzachi

AST-09-566 - Apollo Soyuz Test Project - Apollo Soyuz Test Project, US...

The original database describes this as: Description: Apollo Soyuz Test Project (ASTP),USSR,Kazakh S.S.H.,Caspian Sea,Poluostrov Buzachi. Image taken on Revolution 56. Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) of Photo 200:11... More

1910: At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 41/42 prime crewmembers Alexander Samokutyaev of the Russian Federal Space Agency (left), Elena Serova of Roscosmos (center) and NASA’s Barry Wilmore (right) listen to instructions from officials September 3 at the start of final qualification exams. They will launch September 26 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-14M spacecraft for a 5 ½ month mission on the International Space Station. Serova will become only the fourth Russian woman to fly in space and the first Russian woman to conduct a long duration mission on the station. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e079010

1910: At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, ...

1910: At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 41/42 prime crewmembers Alexander Samokutyaev of the Russian Federal Space Agency (left), Elena Serova of Roscosmos (center) and ... More

1929: At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 41/42 prime crewmembers Barry Wilmore of NASA (left), Elena Serova of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos, center) and Alexander Samokutyaev of Roscosmos (right) pose for pictures and answer reporters’ questions September 3 at the start of final qualification exams. They will launch September 26 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-14M spacecraft for a 5 ½ month mission on the International Space Station. Serova will become only the fourth Russian woman to fly in space and the first Russian woman to conduct a long duration mission on the station. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e079011

1929: At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, ...

1929: At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 41/42 prime crewmembers Barry Wilmore of NASA (left), Elena Serova of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos, center) and Al... More

1944: At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 41/42 prime crewmembers Barry Wilmore of NASA (left), Elena Serova of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos, center) and Alexander Samokutyaev of Roscosmos (right) pose for pictures and wave to reporters and well-wishers September 3 at the start of final qualification exams. They will launch September 26 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-14M spacecraft for a 5 ½ month mission on the International Space Station. Serova will become only the fourth Russian woman to fly in space and the first Russian woman to conduct a long duration mission on the station. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e079012

1944: At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, ...

1944: At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 41/42 prime crewmembers Barry Wilmore of NASA (left), Elena Serova of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos, center) and Al... More

1826: At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 41/42 backup crewmembers Scott Kelly of NASA (left), Gennady Padalka of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos, center) and Mikhail Kornienko of Roscosmos (right) clasp hands as they pose for pictures in front of a Soyuz simulator September 3 at the start of final qualification exams. They are the backups to NASA’s Barry Wilmore and Alexander Samokutyaev and Elena Serova of Roscosmos, who will launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan September 26, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-14M spacecraft for a 5 ½ month mission on the International Space Station. Kelly and Kornienko will launch next March to spend a full year in space. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e079005

1826: At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, ...

1826: At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 41/42 backup crewmembers Scott Kelly of NASA (left), Gennady Padalka of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos, center) and ... More

1881: At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 41/42 Flight Engineer Barry Wilmore of NASA (center) signs in at the start of final qualification exams September 3 as his crewmates, Alexander Samokutyaev of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos, left) and Elena Serova of Roscosmos (right) look on. They will launch September 26 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-14M spacecraft for a 5 ½ month mission on the International Space Station. Serova will become only the fourth Russian woman to fly in space and the first Russian woman to conduct a long duration mission on the station. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e079008

1881: At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, ...

1881: At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 41/42 Flight Engineer Barry Wilmore of NASA (center) signs in at the start of final qualification exams September 3 as his crewma... More

1898: At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 41/42 Flight Engineer Elena Serova of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos, center) signs in at the start of final qualification exams September 3 as her crewmates, Alexander Samokutyaev of Roscosmos (left) and Barry Wilmore of NASA (right) look on. They will launch September 26 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-14M spacecraft for a 5 ½ month mission on the International Space Station. Serova will become only the fourth Russian woman to fly in space and the first Russian woman to conduct a long duration mission on the station. NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2014e079009

1898: At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, ...

1898: At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 41/42 Flight Engineer Elena Serova of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos, center) signs in at the start of final qualifi... More

As part of the Gala concert of CENTRASBAT 00, Kazakh performers demonstrate a cultural tradition of a game called catch a girl, in which the two riders (male and female) take off on horseback and try and catch each other. The female rider whips the male until she is caught. If the male catches the female he is then rewarded with a kiss. The Gala concert was a show put on by Kazakhstanis, showing a variety of traditional dances and cultural events. CENTRASBAT is a multi-national peacekeeping and humanitarian relief exercise sponsored by US Central Command (US CENTCOM) and hosted by former Soviet Republic Kazakhstan in Central Asia, from Sept. 11-20. CENTRASBAT will test US and Central...

As part of the Gala concert of CENTRASBAT 00, Kazakh performers demons...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: [Complete] Scene Caption: As part of the Gala concert of CENTRASBAT 00, Kazakh performers demonstrate a cultural tradition of a game called catch a girl, ... More

A test of strength is displayed in a game called Avderspak, two men on horseback lock hands and play tug-of-war in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Sept. 13, 2000. Two Kazakh performer demonstrates this traditional game as part of the Gala concert by the Kazakh stars during the opening ceramonies of CENTRASBAT 2000 in Kazakhstan. The Gala Concert was a show by Kazakhstanis showing a variety of traditional dances and cultural events. CENTRASBAT is a multi-national peacekeeping and humanitarian relief exercise sponsored by U.S. Central Command (U.S. CENTCOM) and hosted by former Soviet Republic Kazakhstan in Central Asia, from Sept. 11-20. Exercise participants include approximately 300 U. S. troops,..

A test of strength is displayed in a game called Avderspak, two men on...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: [Complete] Scene Caption: A test of strength is displayed in a game called Avderspak, two men on horseback lock hands and play tug-of-war in Almaty, Kaza... More

A Kazakh performer demonstrates the long equestrian heritage as part of the Gala concert by the Kazakh stars during the opening ceremonies of CENTRASBAT 2000 in Kazakhstan on Sept. 13, 2000. The Gala Concert was a show put on by Kazakhstan showing a variety of traditional dances and cultural events. CENTRASBAT is a multi-national peacekeeping and humanitarian relief exercise sponsored by US Central Command (US CENTCOM) and hosted by former Soviet Republic Kazakhstan in Central Asia, from Sept. 11-20. CENTRASBAT will test US and Central Asian units combat readiness and ability to conduct peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, as well as develop and build cooperative relationships...

A Kazakh performer demonstrates the long equestrian heritage as part o...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: [Complete] Scene Caption: A Kazakh performer demonstrates the long equestrian heritage as part of the Gala concert by the Kazakh stars during the opening ... More

Members of the Kazakhstan Army train US Army soldiers on firing procedures for Kazakh weapons during the range training portion of the Central Asian Peacekeeping Battalion (CENTRASBAT) 2000 exercise, Kazakhstan (KAZ), 14 September 2000. The CENTRASBAT 2000 exercise is a multi-national, in the Spirit of Partnership for Peace, peacekeeping and humanitarian relief exercise sponsored by United States Central Command (US CENTCOM) and hosted by the former Soviet Republic Kazakhstan in Central Asia, 11-20 September 2000. Exercise participants include approximately 300 US troops including personnel from US CENTCOM, the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and 5th Special ...

Members of the Kazakhstan Army train US Army soldiers on firing proced...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: [Complete] Scene Caption: Members of the Kazakhstan Army train US Army soldiers on firing procedures for Kazakh weapons during the range training portion... More

A member of the US Army 5th Special Forces Medic Unit at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, looks at an electrocardiograph from a Kazakh girl's irregular heartbeat during Operation BALANCE KAYAK, in Kazakhstan. BALANCE KAYAK, which ran from Sept. 12-21, is a medical capabilities exercise for US and Kazakhstan, which provided various facets of medical treatment to 12 villages by screening patients and providing training to increase Kazakhstan's medical capabilities. Services offered were obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics and general medicine, with a fully equipped mobile pharmacy. All equipment used was provided by the host nation

A member of the US Army 5th Special Forces Medic Unit at Fort Campbell...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Subject Operation/Series: BALANCE KAYAK Base: Ili Base Camp, Almaty Country: Kazakhstan (KAZ) Scene Major Command Shown: US CENTCOM Scene Camera Opera... More

US Army STAFF Sergeant Brent Oland, 18 Delta, 5th Special Forces Medical Unit, Fort Campbell, Kentucky injects a local anesthetic into a Kazakh man's foot during Operation BALANCE KAYAK held in Kazakhstan (KAZ), 14 September 2000. The local injured his foot while mashing concrete and now has a foreign object embedded in it. BALANCE KAYAK,12-21 September 2000 is a medical capabilities exercise between US and Kazakhstan providing various facets of medical treatment to12 villages by screening patients and providing training to increase Kazakhstan's medical capabilities. Services offered are OBGYN, Orthopedics and General Practice with a fully equipped mobile pharmacy. All equipment used was ...

US Army STAFF Sergeant Brent Oland, 18 Delta, 5th Special Forces Medic...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: [Complete] Scene Caption: US Army Staff Sergeant Brent Oland, 18 Delta, 5th Special Forces Medical Unit, Fort Campbell, Kentucky injects a local anesthet... More

US Army STAFF Sergeant Brent Oland, 18 Delta, 5th Special Forces Medical Unit, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, looks at a local Kazakh man's foot during Operation BALANCE KAYAK held in Kazakhstan (KAZ), 14 September 2000. The local injured his foot while mashing concrete and now has a foreign object embedded in it. BALANCE KAYAK, 12-21 September 2000 is a medical capabilities exercise between US and Kazakhstan providing various facets of medical treatment to12 villages by screening patients and providing training to increase Kazakhstan's medical capabilities. Services offered are OBGYN, Orthopedics and General Practice with a fully equipped mobile pharmacy. All equipment used was provided by the...

US Army STAFF Sergeant Brent Oland, 18 Delta, 5th Special Forces Medic...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: [Complete] Scene Caption: US Army Staff Sergeant Brent Oland, 18 Delta, 5th Special Forces Medical Unit, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, looks at a local Kazakh... More

A Member of the Kazakhstan Army trains a US Army soldier on firing procedures for Kazakh weapons during the range training portion of the Central Asian Peacekeeping Battalion (CENTRASBAT) 2000 exercise, Kazakhstan (KAZ), 14 September 2000. The CENTRASBAT 2000 exercise is a multi-national, in the Spirit of Partnership for Peace, peacekeeping and humanitarian relief exercise sponsored by United States Central Command (US CENTCOM) and hosted by the former Soviet Republic Kazakhstan in Central Asia, 11-20 September 2000. Exercise participants include approximately 300 US troops including personnel from US CENTCOM, the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and 5th ...

A Member of the Kazakhstan Army trains a US Army soldier on firing pro...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: [Complete] Scene Caption: A Member of the Kazakhstan Army trains a US Army soldier on firing procedures for Kazakh weapons during the range training port... More

STAFF Sergeant Brent Oland, 18th Delta Special Forces Medic, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, cuts into a local Kazakh man's foot during Operation BALANCE KAYAK held in Kazakhstan. The man injured his foot while mashing concrete by foot and now has a foreign object embeded in it. BALANCE KAYAK, which ran from Sept. 12-21, is a medical capabilities exercise for US and Kazakhstan, which provided various facets of medical treatment to 12 villages by screening patients and providing training to increase Kazakhstan's medical capabilities. Services offered were obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics and general medicine, with a fully equipped mobile pharmacy. All equipment used was provided by the...

STAFF Sergeant Brent Oland, 18th Delta Special Forces Medic, Fort Camp...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: [Complete] Scene Caption: STAFF Sergeant Brent Oland, 18th Delta Special Forces Medic, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, cuts into a local Kazakh man's foot during... More

A member of the US Army 5th Special Forces Medic Unit at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, listens to a local Kazakh girl's irregular heartbeat during Operation BALANCE KAYAK, in Kazakhstan on Sept. 14, 2000. BALANCE KAYAK, which ran from Sept. 12-21, is a medical capabilities exercise for US and Kazakhstan, which provided various facets of medical treatment to 12 villages by screening patients and providing training to increase Kazakhstan's medical capabilities. Services offered were obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics and general medicine, with a fully equipped mobile pharmacy. All equipment used was provided by the host nation

A member of the US Army 5th Special Forces Medic Unit at Fort Campbell...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Subject Operation/Series: BALANCE KAYAK Base: Ili Base Camp, Almaty Country: Kazakhstan (KAZ) Scene Major Command Shown: US CENTCOM Scene Camera Opera... More

May 4, 2003, Astana, Kazakhstan. One of three local Kazakh girls who were on hand at the Astana airport to welcome the Expedition Six crew with Roses after the crew landed on the Kazakh Steppe in their Soyuz capsule. Photo Credit: "NASA/Bill Ingalls" 03pd1529

May 4, 2003, Astana, Kazakhstan. One of three local Kazakh girls who ...

May 4, 2003, Astana, Kazakhstan. One of three local Kazakh girls who were on hand at the Astana airport to welcome the Expedition Six crew with Roses after the crew landed on the Kazakh Steppe in their Soyuz c... More

ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN - One of three local Kazakh girls who were on hand at the Astana airport to welcome the Expedition Six crew with roses after the crew landed on the Kazakh Steppe in their Soyuz capsule. The Expedition Six crew spent 161 days in space, 159 manning the International Space Station. Photo Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls KSC-03pd1529

ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN - One of three local Kazakh girls who were on hand...

ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN - One of three local Kazakh girls who were on hand at the Astana airport to welcome the Expedition Six crew with roses after the crew landed on the Kazakh Steppe in their Soyuz capsule. The... More

May 4, 2003, Kazakhstan. From the seat of a Russian Helicopter, Bob Cabana (L), Director of Flight Crew Operations and Astronaut Michael Foale (R) look out over the Kazakh terrain for the Expedition Six Soyuz capsule after it's landing in Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: "NASA/Bill Ingalls" 03pd1527

May 4, 2003, Kazakhstan. From the seat of a Russian Helicopter, Bob C...

May 4, 2003, Kazakhstan. From the seat of a Russian Helicopter, Bob Cabana (L), Director of Flight Crew Operations and Astronaut Michael Foale (R) look out over the Kazakh terrain for the Expedition Six Soyuz ... More

KAZAKHSTAN - From the seat of a Russian Helicopter, Bob Cabana (left), director of Flight Crew Operations, and astronaut Michael Foale (right) look out over the Kazakh terrain for the Expedition Six Soyuz capsule after its landing in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz was returning the Expedition Six crew after 161 days in space, 159 spent manning the International Space Station. Photo Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls KSC-03pd1527

KAZAKHSTAN - From the seat of a Russian Helicopter, Bob Cabana (left)...

KAZAKHSTAN - From the seat of a Russian Helicopter, Bob Cabana (left), director of Flight Crew Operations, and astronaut Michael Foale (right) look out over the Kazakh terrain for the Expedition Six Soyuz caps... More

Expedition 16 Soyuz TMA-11 Lands

Expedition 16 Soyuz TMA-11 Lands

A Kazakh man herds cattle across the tarmac at the Arkalyk airport in Kazakhstan, Friday, April, 19, 2008. Arkalyk was used as one of the helicopter staging areas for the landing of the Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft... More

Expedition 16 Soyuz TMA-11 Lands

Expedition 16 Soyuz TMA-11 Lands

Women in traditional Kazakh dress wait to welcome Expedition 16 Commander Peggy Whitson, Flight Engineer and Soyuz Commander Yuri Malenchenko and South Korean spaceflight participant So-yeon Yi at the Kustanay ... More

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the prime and backup crews of Expedition 25 conduct the traditional raising of flags outside their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters September 27, 2010. From left to right are prime crew Flight Engineers Alexander Kaleri and Oleg Skripochka raising the Russian flag, backup Ron Garan joining prime crewmember Scott Kelly to raise the American flag and backup crewmembers Sergei Volkov and Oleg Kononenko (hidden) raising the Kazakh flag. Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2010e167401

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the prime and backup crews o...

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the prime and backup crews of Expedition 25 conduct the traditional raising of flags outside their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters September 27, 2010. From left to right ... More

The Expedition 30 backup crewmembers pose for pictures with a Kazakh host inside a model of a primitive Kazakh hut-type house during a tour of a museum near their launch site in Baikonur, Kazakhstan Dec. 11, 2011. Clad in traditional Kazakh garb are backup Flight Engineer Suni Williams of NASA (second from the left), backup Soyuz Commander Yuri Malenchenko and backup Flight Engineer Aki Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The prime crewmembers, NASA’s Don Pettit, Oleg Kononenko and Andre Kuipers of the European Space Agency will launch to the International Space Station Dec. 21 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in their Soyuz TMA-03M spacecraft. Credit: NASA jsc2011e215646

The Expedition 30 backup crewmembers pose for pictures with a Kazakh h...

The Expedition 30 backup crewmembers pose for pictures with a Kazakh host inside a model of a primitive Kazakh hut-type house during a tour of a museum near their launch site in Baikonur, Kazakhstan Dec. 11, 20... More

The Expedition 30 backup crewmembers sample local food served by a Kazakh host inside a model of a primitive Kazakh hut-type house during a tour of a museum near their launch site in Baikonur, Kazakhstan Dec. 11, 2011. Clad in traditional Kazakh garb are backup Flight Engineer Suni Williams of NASA (second from the left), backup Soyuz Commander Yuri Malenchenko and backup Flight Engineer Aki Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The prime crewmembers, NASA’s Don Pettit, Oleg Kononenko and Andre Kuipers of the European Space Agency will launch to the International Space Station Dec. 21 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in their Soyuz TMA-03M spacecraft. Credit: NASA jsc2011e215647

The Expedition 30 backup crewmembers sample local food served by a Kaz...

The Expedition 30 backup crewmembers sample local food served by a Kazakh host inside a model of a primitive Kazakh hut-type house during a tour of a museum near their launch site in Baikonur, Kazakhstan Dec. 1... More

Outside their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the Expedition 31/32 prime and backup crews conducted the traditional raising of Russian, U.S. and Kazakh flags May 4, 2012 as part of their ceremonial activities leading up to the launch of the Soyuz TMA-04M spacecraft May 15 to the International Space Station. From left to right are prime Soyuz Commander Gennady Padalka and Flight Engineer Sergei Revin, prime NASA Flight Engineer Joe Acaba and backup NASA Flight Engineer Kevin Ford and backup Russian crewmembers Oleg Novitskiy and Evgeny Tarelkin. Padalka, Revin and Acaba will launch to the station for a four-month mission on the orbital outpost. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2012e049919

Outside their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, t...

Outside their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the Expedition 31/32 prime and backup crews conducted the traditional raising of Russian, U.S. and Kazakh flags May 4, 2012 as part of their ... More

Outside their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the Expedition 31/32 prime and backup crews posed for pictures May 4, 2012 following the traditional raising of Russian, U.S. and Kazakh flags as part of their ceremonial activities leading up to the launch of the Soyuz TMA-04M spacecraft May 15 to the International Space Station. From left to right are prime Soyuz Commander Gennady Padalka, Flight Engineer Sergei Revin and NASA Flight Engineer Joe Acaba and backup crewmembers Oleg Novitskiy, Evgeny Tarelkin and Kevin Ford of NASA. Padalka, Revin and Acaba will launch to the station for a four-month mission on the orbital outpost. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2012e049920

Outside their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, t...

Outside their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the Expedition 31/32 prime and backup crews posed for pictures May 4, 2012 following the traditional raising of Russian, U.S. and Kazakh flag... More

The prime and backup crewmembers for Expedition 32 attend ceremonies outside their Cosmonaut Hotel in Baikonur, Kazakhstan July 4, 2012 following the raising of U.S., Russian, Japanese and Kazakh flags outside their crew quarters as part of the pre-launch activities leading up to the launch of the next crew to the International Space Station. From left to right are the prime crewmembers – Soyuz Commander Yuri Malenchenko, NASA Flight Engineer Sunita Williams and Flight Engineer Aki Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency who will launch to the station July 15 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in their Soyuz TMA-05M spacecraft --- and their backups, NASA Flight Engineer Tom Marshburn, Canadian Space Agency Flight Engineer Chris Hadfield and Russian Soyuz Commander Roman Romanenko. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2012e099559

The prime and backup crewmembers for Expedition 32 attend ceremonies o...

The prime and backup crewmembers for Expedition 32 attend ceremonies outside their Cosmonaut Hotel in Baikonur, Kazakhstan July 4, 2012 following the raising of U.S., Russian, Japanese and Kazakh flags outside ... More

As Russian and Kazakh officials look on, the Expedition 34/35 prime and backup crewmembers raised the flags of Russia, the U.S., Canada and Kazakhstan during traditional ceremonies Dec. 9, 2012 outside their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. At the flagpoles from left to right are prime Soyuz Commander Roman Romanenko and his backup, Fyodor Yurchikhin, prime Flight Engineer Chris Hadfield of the Canadian Space Agency, backup NASA Flight Engineer Karen Nyberg and prime NASA Flight Engineer Tom Marshburn, and backup Flight Engineer Luca Parmitano of the European Space Agency. Marshburn, Romanenko and Hadfield will launch Dec. 19 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in their Soyuz TMA-07M spacecraft for a five-month mission on the International Space Station. Photo Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2012e241581

As Russian and Kazakh officials look on, the Expedition 34/35 prime an...

As Russian and Kazakh officials look on, the Expedition 34/35 prime and backup crewmembers raised the flags of Russia, the U.S., Canada and Kazakhstan during traditional ceremonies Dec. 9, 2012 outside their Co... More

In Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 34/35 backup crewmembers Luca Parmitano of the European Space Agency (left), Fyodor Yurchikhin (center) and Karen Nyberg of NASA (right) enjoy a meal in a Kazakh yurt Dec. 9, 2012 during a traditional tour of the city. A yurt is a portable, wood-framed dwelling structure that was traditionally used by nomads in the steppes of Central Asia but which is still used for ceremonial celebrations. Prime crewmembers Flight Engineer Tom Marshburn of NASA, Soyuz Commander Roman Romanenko and Flight Engineer Chris Hadfield of the Canadian Space Agency will launch Dec. 19 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in their Soyuz TMA-07M spacecraft for a five-month mission on the International Space Station. Photo Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2012e241585

In Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 34/35 backup crewmembers Luca Parm...

In Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 34/35 backup crewmembers Luca Parmitano of the European Space Agency (left), Fyodor Yurchikhin (center) and Karen Nyberg of NASA (right) enjoy a meal in a Kazakh yurt Dec. 9,... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 backup crewmember Michael Hopkins of NASA answers questions from the news media March 4 as he and his crewmates prepare for a series of qualification simulations in Soyuz and Russian segment trainers. Hopkins, Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov and Flight Engineer Sergei Ryazanskiy will backup prime crewmembers Chris Cassidy of NASA and Russian cosmonauts Pavel Vinogradov and Alexander Misurkin, who are preparing for launch to the International Space Station March 29 (Kazakh time) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013522

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

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 backup crewmember Michael Hopkins of NASA answers questions from the news media March 4 as he and his crewmates prepare for a seri... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, the Expedition 35-36 backup crewmembers answer questions from the news media March 4 as they prepare for a series of qualification simulations in Soyuz and Russian segment trainers. NASA Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins (left), Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov (center) and Flight Engineer Sergei Ryazanskiy (right) will backup prime crewmembers Chris Cassidy of NASA and Russian cosmonauts Pavel Vinogradov and Alexander Misurkin, who are preparing for launch to the International Space Station March 29 (Kazakh time) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013521

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

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, the Expedition 35-36 backup crewmembers answer questions from the news media March 4 as they prepare for a series of qualification simulations in S... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 prime crewmembers Chris Cassidy of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) and Alexander Misurkin (right) answer questions from the news media March 4 before the start of qualification simulations in Soyuz and Russian segment trainers. The three crewmembers are preparing for their launch March 29 (Kazakh time) to the International Space Station in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013525

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

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 prime crewmembers Chris Cassidy of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) and Alexander Misurkin (right) answer qu... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 prime crewmembers Chris Cassidy of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) and Alexander Misurkin (right) wave to the news media March 4 before the start of qualification simulations in Soyuz and Russian segment trainers. The three crewmembers are preparing for their launch March 29 (Kazakh time) to the International Space Station in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013526

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

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 prime crewmembers Chris Cassidy of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) and Alexander Misurkin (right) wave to t... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, the Expedition 35-36 backup crewmembers are greeted by Russian space officials March 4 as they prepare for a series of qualification simulations in Soyuz and Russian segment trainers. NASA Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins (left), Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov (center) and Flight Engineer Sergei Ryazanskiy (right) will backup prime crewmembers Chris Cassidy of NASA and Russian cosmonauts Pavel Vinogradov and Alexander Misurkin, who are preparing for launch to the International Space Station March 29 (Kazakh time) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013520

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

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, the Expedition 35-36 backup crewmembers are greeted by Russian space officials March 4 as they prepare for a series of qualification simulations in... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 prime crewmember Chris Cassidy of NASA (front) signs in before Russian space officials for the start of qualification simultations in Soyuz and Russian segment trainers. Behind Cassidy are Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (left) and Alexander Misurkin (right). The three crewmembers are preparing for their launch March 29 (Kazakh time) to the International Space Station in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013524

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

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 prime crewmember Chris Cassidy of NASA (front) signs in before Russian space officials for the start of qualification simultations... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 prime crewmembers Chris Cassidy of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) and Alexander Misurkin (right) report to Russian space officials March 4 for the start of qualification simulations in Soyuz and Russian segment trainers. The three crewmembers are preparing for their launch March 29 (Kazakh time) to the International Space Station in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013523

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

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 prime crewmembers Chris Cassidy of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) and Alexander Misurkin (right) report to... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy enters a Soyuz spacecraft mockup March 5 for the start of qualification simulation runs. Cassidy, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin are training for launch March 29, Kazakh time, to the International Space Station in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013616

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

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy enters a Soyuz spacecraft mockup March 5 for the start of qualification simulation runs. Cassidy, S... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy (right), Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (left) clasp hands for photographers prior to the start of qualification simulation runs in a Soyuz spacecraft mockup March 5. The three crewmembers are training for launch March 29, Kazakh time, to the International Space Station in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013614

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

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy (right), Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (left) cla... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (second from left) signs a book before Russian space officials March 5, certifying that he is prepared to begin qualification simulation runs in a Soyuz spacecraft mockup. Looking on are Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (second from right) and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (right). The three crewmembers are training for launch March 29, Kazakh time, to the International Space Station in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013612

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

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (second from left) signs a book before Russian space officials March 5, certifying that he i... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy prepares to enter a Soyuz spacecraft mockup March 5 for the start of qualification simulation runs. Cassidy, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin are training for launch March 29, Kazakh time, to the International Space Station in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013617

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

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy prepares to enter a Soyuz spacecraft mockup March 5 for the start of qualification simulation runs. ... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy (right) answers questions from reporters prior to the start of qualification simulation runs in a Soyuz spacecraft mockup March 5. Cassidy, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (left) are training for launch March 29, Kazakh time, to the International Space Station in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013613

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

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy (right) answers questions from reporters prior to the start of qualification simulation runs in a So... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov prepares to enter a Soyuz spacecraft mockup March 5 for the start of qualification simulation runs. Vinogradov, NASA Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin are training for launch March 29, Kazakh time, to the International Space Station in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013618

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

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov prepares to enter a Soyuz spacecraft mockup March 5 for the start of qualification simulation run... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy flashes a thumbs up for photographers prior to the start of qualification simulation runs in a Soyuz spacecraft mockup March 5. Cassidy, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin are training for launch March 29, Kazakh time, to the International Space Station in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013615

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

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy flashes a thumbs up for photographers prior to the start of qualification simulation runs in a Soyuz... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (far left) answers a question during a pre-launch news conference March 7. From Cassidy’s left down the row looking on are Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov, GCTC Director Sergei Krikalev, backup Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov, backup Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazankiy, backup Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA and an unidentified interpreter. Cassidy, Vinogradov and Misurkin are in the final stages of training for their launch to the International Space Station March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013832

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

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (far left) answers a question during a pre-launch news conference March 7. From Cassi... More

During a traditional tour of Red Square in Moscow March 7, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA laid flowers at the Kremlin Wall where Russian space icons are interred. Cassidy, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin will launch to the International Space Station March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013824

During a traditional tour of Red Square in Moscow March 7, Expedition ...

During a traditional tour of Red Square in Moscow March 7, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA laid flowers at the Kremlin Wall where Russian space icons are interred. Cassidy, Soyuz Commande... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 backup crewmembers Oleg Kotov (left), Sergey Ryazanskiy (center) and Michael Hopkins of NASA (right) pose for pictures during a pre-launch news conference March 7. The three crewmembers are in training as backups to Chris Cassidy of NASA, Alexander Misurkin and Pavel Vinogradov who are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station March 29, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013830

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

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 backup crewmembers Oleg Kotov (left), Sergey Ryazanskiy (center) and Michael Hopkins of NASA (right) pose for pictures during a pr... More

With a few snow flurries falling on an otherwise sunny day, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA walked through the grounds of the Kremlin in Moscow March 7 during a traditional tour of the Kremlin and Red Square. Cassidy, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin are preparing for launch to the International Space Station March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013828

With a few snow flurries falling on an otherwise sunny day, Expedition...

With a few snow flurries falling on an otherwise sunny day, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA walked through the grounds of the Kremlin in Moscow March 7 during a traditional tour of the Kr... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA listens to a question from a reporter during a pre-launch news conference March 7. Cassidy, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Alexander Misurkin are in the final stages of training for their launch to the International Space Station March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013831

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

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA listens to a question from a reporter during a pre-launch news conference March 7. Cassidy, ... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (right), and his backup, NASA’s Michael Hopkins tour the Gagarin Museum during a traditional tour March 7. Cassidy, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin will launch to the International Space Station March 29, Kazakh time, on their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013822

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

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (right), and his backup, NASA’s Michael Hopkins tour the Gagarin Museum during a traditional... More

With famed St. Basil’s Cathedral in the background, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (right) pose for pictures at the Kremlin Wall March 7 during a traditional visit to Red Square where they laid flowers at the spot where Russian space icons are interred. Cassidy, Vinogradov and Misurkin will launch to the International Space Station March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013825

With famed St. Basil’s Cathedral in the background, Expedition 35-36 F...

With famed St. Basil’s Cathedral in the background, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (right) pose f... More

During a traditional tour of Red Square in Moscow March 7, Expedition 35-36 Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov laid flowers at the Kremlin Wall where Russian space icons are interred. Vinogradov, NASA Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin will launch to the International Space Station March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013823

During a traditional tour of Red Square in Moscow March 7, Expedition ...

During a traditional tour of Red Square in Moscow March 7, Expedition 35-36 Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov laid flowers at the Kremlin Wall where Russian space icons are interred. Vinogradov, NASA Flight Engi... More

At the Gagarin Museum at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (foreground, left) signs a ceremonial book March 7 as his crewmates, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (foreground, center) and Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (foreground, right) enjoy the moment. Joining them for the traditional pre-launch activities were backup crewmembers Sergey Ryazanskiy (back row, left), Oleg Kotov (back row, center) and NASA’s Michael Hopkins (back row, right). Cassidy, Vinogradov and Misurkin will launch to the International Space Station March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosomodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013834

At the Gagarin Museum at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star...

At the Gagarin Museum at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (foreground, left) signs a ceremonial book March 7 as his crewmates, Soyu... More

With a picture of the Russian great designer Sergei Korolev over his right shoulder, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy (right) poses for pictures March 7 with his crewmates, Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (left) and Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) at the Gagarin Museum at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia. The three crewmembers are training for their launch to the International Space Station March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazkahstan. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013833

With a picture of the Russian great designer Sergei Korolev over his r...

With a picture of the Russian great designer Sergei Korolev over his right shoulder, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy (right) poses for pictures March 7 with his crewmates, Flight Engineer Alexand... More

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 prime crewmembers Chris Cassidy of NASA (left), Alexander Misurkin (center) and Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (right) listen to questions from reporters March 7 during a pre-launch news conference. The three crewmembers are in the final stages of training for their launch to the International Space Station March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013829

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

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 prime crewmembers Chris Cassidy of NASA (left), Alexander Misurkin (center) and Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (right) listen to... More

With the famed Tsar Bell in the background, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA posed for pictures March 7 during a traditional tour of the Kremlin and Red Square in Moscow. Cassidy, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin are preparing for launch to the International Space Station March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013827

With the famed Tsar Bell in the background, Expedition 35-36 Flight En...

With the famed Tsar Bell in the background, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA posed for pictures March 7 during a traditional tour of the Kremlin and Red Square in Moscow. Cassidy, Soyuz Co... More

Enjoying a bright but blustery day with his daughter, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (left) strolled through the grounds of the Kremlin in Moscow March 7 with NASA Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy (right). Misurkin, Cassidy and Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov conducted a traditional tour of Red Square and the Kremlin as they prepare for launch to the International Space Station on March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013826

Enjoying a bright but blustery day with his daughter, Expedition 35-36...

Enjoying a bright but blustery day with his daughter, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (left) strolled through the grounds of the Kremlin in Moscow March 7 with NASA Flight Engineer Chris Cas... More

At the Gagarin Museum at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (right) signs a ceremonial book March 7 during traditional pre-launch activities as his crewmate, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (left) looks on. Cassidy, Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin will launch to the International Space Station March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosomodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA / Stephanie Stoll jsc2013e013835

At the Gagarin Museum at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star...

At the Gagarin Museum at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (right) signs a ceremonial book March 7 during traditional pre-launch ... More

Aboard a Russian Federal Space Agency aircraft carrying them to their launch site, Expedition 35-36 Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (left), Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (center) and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin displayed their mission stickers (far left column on the cabin wall) March 16 as they flew from their training base in Star City, Russia to Baikonur, Kazakhstan for final training for their launch to the International Space Station on March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e017246

Aboard a Russian Federal Space Agency aircraft carrying them to their ...

Aboard a Russian Federal Space Agency aircraft carrying them to their launch site, Expedition 35-36 Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (left), Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (center) and Flight Engineer Al... More

Expedition 35-36 Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) is greeted by a Russian space official at the airport in Baikonur, Kazakhstan as he, NASA Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (left) and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin arrived March 16 after departing their training base in Star City, Russia. The three crewmembers are in the final stage of training for their launch to the International Space Station March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e017247

Expedition 35-36 Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) is greeted ...

Expedition 35-36 Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) is greeted by a Russian space official at the airport in Baikonur, Kazakhstan as he, NASA Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (left) and Flight Engi... More

Aboard a Russian Federal Space Agency aircraft carrying him and his crewmates to their launch site, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA affixes a sticker of his crew insignia to the wall of the cabin of the plane March 16 as crewmate Pavel Vinogradov looks on. Cassidy, Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin flew from their training base in Star City, Russia to the Baikonur, Kazakhstan for final training for their launch to the International Space Station on March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e017245

Aboard a Russian Federal Space Agency aircraft carrying him and his cr...

Aboard a Russian Federal Space Agency aircraft carrying him and his crewmates to their launch site, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA affixes a sticker of his crew insignia to the wall of t... More

(16 March 2013) --- At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, the Expedition 35 prime and backup crew members pose for pictures March 16, 2013 before departing for their launch site at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for final training. From left to right are Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov, Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA, and backup crew members – cosmonauts Sergey Ryazanskiy and Oleg Kotov, and Michael Hopkins of NASA. Misurkin, Vinogradov and Cassidy are scheduled to launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on March 29, Kazakh time, on their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA jsc2013e017244

(16 March 2013) --- At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star C...

(16 March 2013) --- At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, the Expedition 35 prime and backup crew members pose for pictures March 16, 2013 before departing for their launch site at the ... More

Expedition 35-36 Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) waves to well-wishers at the airport in Baikonur, Kazakhstan as he, Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (left) and Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (right) arrived March 16 after departing their training base in Star City, Russia. The three crewmembers are in the final stage of training for their launch to the International Space Station March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e017248

Expedition 35-36 Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) waves to we...

Expedition 35-36 Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) waves to well-wishers at the airport in Baikonur, Kazakhstan as he, Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (left) and Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA... More

NASA’s prime and backup crewmembers for Expedition 35-36 share a quiet moment March 17 during a systems dress rehearsal called a “fit check” at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy (left), Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin are preparing for launch to the International Space Station from Baikonur on March 29, Kazakh time. Cassidy’s backup, Michael Hopkins (right), is scheduled to launch to the station in September. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e017259

NASA’s prime and backup crewmembers for Expedition 35-36 share a quiet...

NASA’s prime and backup crewmembers for Expedition 35-36 share a quiet moment March 17 during a systems dress rehearsal called a “fit check” at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA Flight Engineer Chris ... More

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA climbs into his Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft March 17 for a systems dress rehearsal called a “fit check”. Cassidy, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin are preparing for launch to the International Space Station from Baikonur on March 29, Kazakh time. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e017257

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, ...

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA climbs into his Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft March 17 for a systems dress rehearsal calle... More

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA is all business as he conducts a leak check of his Russian Sokol launch and entry suit March 17 during a systems dress rehearsal called a “fit check” Cassidy, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin are preparing for launch to the International Space Station from Baikonur on March 29, Kazakh time. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e017254

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, ...

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA is all business as he conducts a leak check of his Russian Sokol launch and entry sui... More

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA keeps an eye on cockpit displays in his Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft March 17 during a systems dress rehearsal called a “fit check”. Cassidy, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin are preparing for launch to the International Space Station from Baikonur on March 29, Kazakh time. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e017258

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, ...

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA keeps an eye on cockpit displays in his Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft March 17 during a sy... More

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA climbs into his Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft March 17 for a systems dress rehearsal called a “fit check”. Cassidy, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin are preparing for launch to the International Space Station from Baikonur on March 29, Kazakh time. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e017251

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, ...

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA climbs into his Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft March 17 for a systems dress rehearsal calle... More

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Expedition 35-36 prime and backup crews pose for pictures March 17 during a systems dress rehearsal called a “fit check”. Left to right in the front row is the prime crew --- NASA Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin. Left to the right in the back row are backup crewmembers Michael Hopkins of NASA, Oleg Kotov and Sergey Ryazanskiy. Cassidy, Vinogradov and Misurkin are preparing for launch to the International Space Station from Baikonur on March 29, Kazakh time. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e017255

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, ...

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Expedition 35-36 prime and backup crews pose for pictures March 17 during a systems dress rehearsal called a “fit check”. Left to right ... More

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA conducts a leak check of his Russian Sokol launch and entry suit March 17 as he runs through a systems dress rehearsal called a “fit check” Cassidy, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin are preparing for launch to the International Space Station from Baikonur on March 29, Kazakh time. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e017253

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, ...

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA conducts a leak check of his Russian Sokol launch and entry suit March 17 as he runs... More

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA has a playful moment with his Russian Sokol launch and entry suit March 17 during a systems dress rehearsal called a “fit check”. Cassidy, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin are preparing for launch to the International Space Station from Baikonur on March 29, Kazakh time. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e017260

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, ...

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA has a playful moment with his Russian Sokol launch and entry suit March 17 during a s... More

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Expedition 35-36 prime crewmembers pose for pictures March 17 during a systems dress rehearsal called a “fit check”. Left to right are NASA Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin. Cassidy, Vinogradov and Misurkin are preparing for launch to the International Space Station from Baikonur on March 29, Kazakh time. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e017256

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, ...

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Expedition 35-36 prime crewmembers pose for pictures March 17 during a systems dress rehearsal called a “fit check”. Left to right are N... More

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Russian technicians assist Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA March 17 as he suits up for a systems dress rehearsal called a “fit check” Cassidy, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin are preparing for launch to the International Space Station from Baikonur on March 29, Kazakh time. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e017252

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, ...

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Russian technicians assist Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA March 17 as he suits up for a systems dress rehearsal cal... More

At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the Expedition 35-36 prime and backup crewmembers prepare to hoist the flags of Russia, the United States and Kazakhstan March 18 during traditional ceremonies. From left to right are backup crewmember Oleg Kotov (partially hidden), prime crewmember Pavel Vinogradov, prime NASA crewmember Chris Cassidy, his backup, Michael Hopkins of NASA, prime crewmember Alexander Misurkin and his backup, Sergey Ryazanskiy. Cassidy, Vinogradov and Misurkin are preparing for launch to the International Space Station from Baikonur on March 29, Kazakh time. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e017249

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

At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the Expedition 35-36 prime and backup crewmembers prepare to hoist the flags of Russia, the United States and Kazakhstan March 18 during tradition... More

Behind their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (right) pause after a traditional tree-planting ceremony for Cassidy March 21, part of the ceremonial activities accompanying their training for launch to the International Space Station March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The three crewmembers will spend 5 ½ months on the orbital laboratory. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e018008

Behind their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Ex...

Behind their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurki... More

Behind their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (left), Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) and Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (right) pose for pictures March 21 by a replica of a Russian Proton rocket as they train for launch to the International Space Station March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome for a 5 ½ month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e018009

Behind their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Ex...

Behind their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (left), Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) and Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NAS... More

Behind the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (right) plants a tree bearing his name in a traditional ceremony March 21, assisted by his crewmates, Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (left) and Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center). The three crewmembers are training for launch to the International Space Station March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome for a 5 ½ month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e018007

Behind the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expe...

Behind the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (right) plants a tree bearing his name in a traditional ceremony March 21, assisted by hi... More

At the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (left) displays a flight data file book titled “Fast Rendezvous” March 21 as he, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (right) train for launch to the International Space Station March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome for a 5 ½ month mission. The “fast rendezvous” refers to the expedited four-orbit, six-hour trip from the launch pad to reach the International Space Station March 29 through an accelerated rendezvous burn plan, the first time this approach will be used for crews flying to the international complex. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e018010

At the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expediti...

At the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (left) displays a flight data file book titled “Fast Rendezvous” March 21 as he, Soyuz Comman... More

At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (right) review expedited rendezvous procedures with trainers March 21 as they prepare for launch to the International Space Station March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome for a 5 ½ month mission. The expedited rendezvous refers to the accelerated four-orbit, six-hour trip from the launch pad to reach the International Space Station March 29 through an revised rendezvous burn plan, the first time this approach will be used for crews flying to the international complex. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e018011

At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedi...

At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (r... More

At the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Chris Cassidy of NASA takes a turn in a spinning chair March 21 as he trains for launch to the International Space Station with his crewmates, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Alexander Misurkin March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The three crewmembers will spend 5 ½ months on the orbital laboratory. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e018014

At the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expediti...

At the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Chris Cassidy of NASA takes a turn in a spinning chair March 21 as he trains for launch to the International Space Station with his... More

At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (right) stroll down the Walk of Cosmonauts March 21 as they continue their training for launch to the International Space Station March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The trio will spend 5 ½ months in orbit. Pictured in the rear left of the picture is Cassidy’s backup, Michael Hopkins of NASA. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e018006

At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedi...

At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (r... More

At the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA plays a game of billiards March 21 as he takes a break from training for his launch to the International Space Station with crewmates Pavel Vinogradov and Alexander Misurkin March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The three crewmembers will spend 5 ½ months on the orbital laboratory. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e018012

At the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expediti...

At the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA plays a game of billiards March 21 as he takes a break from training for his launch to the In... More

At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (left) takes a turn at ping-pong March 21 as he and NASA Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy relax for a few minutes while preparing for their launch to the International Space Station with crewmate Alexander Misurkin March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The three crewmembers will spend 5 ½ months on the orbital laboratory. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e018013

At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedi...

At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (left) takes a turn at ping-pong March 21 as he and NASA Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy relax for... More

With the Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft safely nestled inside, the upper stage of a Soyuz booster rocket stands at the ready in the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan following the encapsulation of the Soyuz vehicle March 22. The operation was part of the preparation for the Soyuz’ launch March 29, Kazakh time, to carry Expedition 35/36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin to the International Space Station for a 5 ½ month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e018021

With the Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft safely nestled inside, the upper sta...

With the Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft safely nestled inside, the upper stage of a Soyuz booster rocket stands at the ready in the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan following the encapsul... More

At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft is lowered into place March 22 for its encapsulation into the third stage of a Soyuz booster rocket. The operation was part of the preparation for the Soyuz’ launch March 29, Kazakh time, to carry Expedition 35/36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin to the International Space Station for a 5 ½ month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e018016

At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, ...

At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft is lowered into place March 22 for its encapsulation into the third stage of a Soyuz booster rocket. The operat... More

At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, engineers swarm over the Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft March 22 as they prepare the vehicle for its encapsulation into the third stage of a Soyuz booster rocket. The operation was part of the preparation for the Soyuz’ launch March 29, Kazakh time, to carry Expedition 35/36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin to the International Space Station for a 5 ½ month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e018018

At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, ...

At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, engineers swarm over the Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft March 22 as they prepare the vehicle for its encapsulation into the third stage of a Soyuz... More

At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft is encapsulated into the third stage of a Soyuz booster rocket March 22. The operation was part of the preparation for the Soyuz’ launch March 29, Kazakh time, to carry Expedition 35/36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin to the International Space Station for a 5 ½ month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e018019

At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, ...

At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft is encapsulated into the third stage of a Soyuz booster rocket March 22. The operation was part of the preparat... More

With the Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft nestled inside inside, the upper stage of a Soyuz booster rocket is hoisted into place March 22 at the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The operation was part of the preparation for the Soyuz’ launch March 29, Kazakh time, to carry Expedition 35/36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin to the International Space Station for a 5 ½ month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e018020

With the Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft nestled inside inside, the upper sta...

With the Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft nestled inside inside, the upper stage of a Soyuz booster rocket is hoisted into place March 22 at the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The operat... More

At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft (top) is aligned March 22 for its encapsulation into the third stage of a Soyuz booster rocket. The operation was part of the preparation for the Soyuz’ launch March 29, Kazakh time, to carry Expedition 35/36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin to the International Space Station for a 5 ½ month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e018017

At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, ...

At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft (top) is aligned March 22 for its encapsulation into the third stage of a Soyuz booster rocket. The operation w... More

At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 35/36 Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (left) and Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (right) discuss the ISS Progress 51 cargo ship in front of them March 23 that is being prepared for launch to the International Space Station in late April and which will be greeted by the trio and three other crewmates. Cassidy, Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin are in the final days of training for their launch March 29, Kazakh time, to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft for a 5 ½ month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e018157

At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, ...

At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 35/36 Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (left) and Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (right) discuss the ISS Progress 51 cargo... More

At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 35/36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA enters the Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft March 23 during a final inspection of the vehicle. Cassidy, Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin and Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov will launch in the Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft to the International Space Station on March 29, Kazakh time, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome for a 5 ½ month mission on the orbital laboratory. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e018160

At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, ...

At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 35/36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA enters the Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft March 23 during a final inspection of the vehicle... More

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