# New ISS crew launches from Kazakhstan NASA astronaut and cosmonauts embark on journey to International Space Station - **Source:** [BBC News](https://brifing.si/source/647b890e-c85e-45b8-9588-ccfecdec4a99) - **Published:** 2026-07-14 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ba8dfbe5-7cb1-4e62-a6f6-9e1f403e6b52 ## Historic launch NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina launched aboard a Soyuz spacecraft from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. While Menon is making his first spaceflight, the other two crew members are veterans of space travel. ## Crew details The three-person crew will spend approximately eight months aboard the International Space Station before returning to Earth in April 2027, according to NASA. This mission demonstrates the continuation of international cooperation in space exploration. ## Experience diversity While Menon experiences the excitement of his first spaceflight, Dubrov and Kikina are seasoned space travelers who have previously served on the ISS. This balance will contribute to training new astronauts and knowledge transfer. ## Space station mission The crew will conduct scientific experiments, technology tests, and space environment research aboard the ISS. These studies will provide critical data for future deep space missions and serve as preparation for long-duration space travel. ## Launch technology The mission utilizes the proven Soyuz spacecraft, Russia's iconic space vehicles that have safely transported astronauts for decades. These spacecraft remain the backbone of international space operations. ## Significance of space research This mission demonstrates the continuation of human space exploration. The work conducted on the ISS will lead to technological advancements and scientific discoveries that will improve life on Earth. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/ckg4gjwz20qo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._