Russia launched a spacecraft to bring 3 astronauts to ISS

Russia's RIA Novosti news agency said earlier this morning that 8-10 Soyuz TMA-M spacecraft departed for the international space station (ISS) from Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan.

The Soyuz TMA-M was launched this morning. (Photo: RIA Novosti)

Soyuz TMA-M carries two Russian astronauts Alexander Kaleri and Oleg Skripochka and American astronaut Scott Kelly. All three to ISS will match the three astronauts present on the station, ISS commander Fyodor Yurchikhin, Russian astronaut Doug Wheelock and American astronaut Shannon Walker to become the second international ISS crew. 25.

It is expected that Soyuz TMA-M will connect with ISS at 4:30 pm on October 10, Moscow time (around 7am on October 10 in Vietnam time).

Three astronauts on Soyuz TMA-M. (Photo: RIA Novosti)

Soyuz TMA-M is a new spacecraft designed to replace Soyuz TMA. This ship is equipped with new in-flight measurement systems, completely new guidance, navigation and operating systems. The weight of the ship is reduced by 70kg compared to the old model and the vessel design is improved to make it easier to produce.

This is the 107th flight of the Soyuz spacecraft generations since being launched into space for the first time in 1967.