Launch Details

The Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft lifted off at precisely 1:47 a.m. EDT (10:47 a.m. local time) with commander Sergey Ryzhikov, rookie cosmonaut Alexey Zubritsky, and Kim at the controls. The launch took place from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, marking another successful collaboration in international space exploration.

Once in flight, Ryzhikov reported good conditions to mission control, confirming that everything was operating nominally as the rocket progressed into orbit. Following eight minutes and 45 seconds of ascent, the third-stage engine powered down, detaching the spacecraft to continue its journey independently.

The crew is scheduled to reach the ISS approximately three hours post-launch, docking with the Prichal module, and opening hatches to welcome them aboard around 7:20 a.m.

Welcoming Party at the ISS

Upon arrival, Kim and his crewmates will be greeted by the current astronauts aboard the ISS, including fellow NASA astronaut Donald Pettit and crewmates from SpaceX Crew 10. They will replace Pettit and his team, who have been in space since their launch on September 11, 2024.

Extended Missions for Research

This mission represents a shift in the duration of ISS stays, now extending to eight months. This adjustment is aimed at gathering more comprehensive data on the effects of prolonged space living on the human body.

Kai and his colleagues are set to return to Earth around December 9, 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to understand long-term space habitation.

Jonny Kim’s Journey to the Stars

Jonny Kim, 41, is not only an astronaut but also a former Navy SEAL and a graduate of Harvard Medical School. In an interview prior to his launch, Kim expressed that his calling to become a SEAL remains one of the most significant experiences of his life. He participated in over 100 combat operations during the Iraq War and experienced profound burnout from his military service.

Desiring to continue serving his country while transitioning out of combat, he turned to medicine, eventually gaining acceptance into Harvard Medical School. His journey towards space began when he discovered a passion for exploration after witnessing NASA’s Orion mission test flight in 2015. He was selected as one of twelve candidates from a competitive pool of 18,000 applicants for NASA’s 2017 astronaut class.

A Thriving Team Environment

Kai noted that adapting to the Russian language proved to be one of the more challenging aspects of his training; however, his camaraderie with Ryzhikov and Zubritsky facilitated a supportive and friendly working atmosphere. “We are friends,” he reported, highlighting the trust and collaboration within the team.

Regarding the choice of spacecraft, Kim expressed confidence in the Soyuz’s reliability, stating, “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” reflecting on the spacecraft’s history and proven technology.

Looking Forward to Spacewalks and Research

During his time aboard the ISS, Kim is excited about the possibility of participating in a spacewalk, stating that astronauts today are equipped to handle a broad range of tasks. “The modern-day astronaut is a jack of all trades,” he remarked, describing the multifaceted training required for success in current missions.