Successful launch of "Soyuz-2.1a" missile vehicle with "Soyuz MC-17" manned crew transfer vehicle took place from "Baikonur" cosmodrome

On October 14, 2020, at 11.45 Nur-Sultan time, a launch of “Soyuz-2.1a” missile vehicle with “Soyuz MC-17” manned crew transfer vehicle took place from “Baikonur” cosmodrome.     

The launch took place under routine coniditions from the site 31 of  “Baikonur” cosmodrome.

The crew consists of Roscosmos astronauts Sergey Ryzhikov, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and NASA astronaut Kate Rubins.  

The crew plans to implement the program of scientific researches and conduct onboard photo- and video shooting.   

Launch of “Soyuz MC-17” manned crew transfer vehicle is planned pursuant to the flight program of the International Space Station.

Close approach of “Soyuz MC-17” spacecraft to the ISS will be performed in accordance with the double-stage scheme.  

“Soyuz MC” manned crew transfer vehicle developer is “S. Korolev Energia” Rocket Space Corporation.   

“Soyuz MC” is a new enhanced version of “Soyuz ТMА-М” spacecraft.  Almost each system of the vehicle was modernized. Testing stage of the enhanced spacecraft took place in 2015.