Russian cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev flew with Crew-12 alongside NASA and European Space Agency astronauts

A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft has successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS), delivering a multinational mission that includes Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev.

Crew-12 lifted off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Friday. The reusable Dragon capsule Freedom docked with the station's Harmony module about 34 hours later, completing its journey to the orbital outpost. Other crew members include NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, who serve as commander and pilot, as well as European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot.

"With that gentle contact, we have bridged the legacy of humankind's continuous presence in space. It has been more than 25 years at this very site," Meir radioed after docking. "The International Space Station is more than a structure, it is a promise kept. Decades in the making, built by nations, sustained by trust and partnerships, and powered by science, innovation and curiosity."

"As we look back at Earth through these windows, we are reminded that cooperation is not just possible, it is essential. Up here there are no borders and hope is universal," she added.

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The astronauts are expected to remain aboard the ISS for about eight months, conducting scientific research, maintenance, and technology demonstrations in low Earth orbit. Their arrival restores the station to a full seven-person complement after an earlier expedition returned ahead of schedule due to a medical issue.

Russia and the US continue to cooperate on ISS missions under a cross-flight agreement signed in 2022. The arrangement allows Roscosmos cosmonauts to fly aboard Crew Dragon spacecraft while NASA astronauts travel on Russia's Soyuz capsules.

Following the launch, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said preparations are underway for talks with Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Bakanov, adding that the meeting will take place "at the earliest opportunity."

"There is a lot that we need to accomplish together in the years ahead," he said, adding that there is "certainly a lot of opportunity for good conversation."

Isaacman also said he plans to attend the Soyuz MS-29 launch scheduled for summer 2026.

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(RT.com)