Russian capsule successfully docked to ISS, replaces leaky Soyuz

NASA via RTRThe Soyuz capsule just before docking with the ISS

NOS Nieuws•vandaag, 03:14

The Russian space agency Roskosmos has successfully docked a replacement Soyuz capsule to the International Space Station. The spacecraft was launched last Thursday and replaces another capsule, which was found to be leaking.

The Soyuz must return the American and two Russians in the ISS to Earth in September. The three had been without a decent capsule since December, when it turned out that a spaceship attached to the ISS had a leak. As a result, coolant leaked out.

According to the Russians and the American space agency NASA, this is due to the impact of a very small meteorite. Something similar happened to an unmanned freighter, also of Russian origin.

The now-docked spacecraft was not supposed to go to the ISS until spring, with the new crew on board. But the Russians decided to launch the Soyuz without astronauts early this year. However, goods were taken along, such as scientific instruments, medical equipment and food. At the time of docking, the ISS was flying more than 400 kilometers above Mongolia.

Longer stay

The three astronauts have to stay in the ISS much longer than originally planned due to the leak. They were supposed to return next month, but the Russian space agency says the leak won’t allow them to return until September. The damaged Soyuz will return to Earth for examination next month.

The ISS is one of the few places where there is still cooperation between Russia and the West. Last week, Russia reported that it will continue to participate in the ISS until 2028. Roskosmos previously threatened to leave the project.

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