NASA astronaut Anil Menon will embark on his first spaceflight alongside Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina aboard Soyuz MS‑29, lifting off from Kazakhstan on July 14. NASA will provide live coverage via its website and YouTube channel.

मुख्य बिंदु (Key Takeaways)

  • Anil Menon’s inaugural spaceflight on Soyuz MS‑29.
  • Launch scheduled for July 14 from Baikonur, live streaming available.
  • New scientific experiments will augment the existing ISS crew.

NASA astronaut Anil Menon, selected in the 2021 astronaut class, is set for his maiden voyage to space as part of the Soyuz MS‑29 mission. He will share the ride with Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina, launching from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 10:47 am EDT (8:17 pm IST).

How to Watch the Launch Live

NASA will begin live streaming at 9:45 am EDT (7:15 pm IST) on its official website and YouTube channel, offering a real‑time countdown, launch footage, and expert commentary for viewers worldwide.

Journey to the ISS and Docking Timeline

The Soyuz spacecraft is expected to complete two rapid Earth orbits before reaching the International Space Station, with docking slated for 1:56 pm EDT (11:26 pm IST). After standard safety checks, the hatch will be opened later that evening, allowing the new crew to join the station.

Current Expedition Crew and Scientific Objectives

The ISS already hosts a seven‑member expedition, including NASA veterans Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway, and Chris Williams, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud‑Sverchkov, Sergei Mikaev, and Andrey Fedyaev. During an eight‑month stay, Menon will conduct a series of experiments: improving semiconductor crystal growth in microgravity, and leveraging augmented‑reality‑assisted ultrasound imaging powered by artificial intelligence to reduce dependence on Earth‑based medical support.

Russian Cosmonauts’ Experience and International Cooperation

Dubrov previously spent nearly a year aboard the ISS (2021‑2022), while Kikina flew on SpaceX’s Crew‑5 mission in 2022, becoming the first Russian to travel on a private American spacecraft. The Soyuz MS‑29 flight underscores the enduring seat‑swap agreements between NASA and Roscosmos, enabling continuous crew rotation and reinforcing the collaborative spirit that sustains the ISS.