Soyuz MS-20 Spacecraft Check Inspection Conducted

BAIKONUR COSMODROME, Kazakhstan (Roscosmos PR) — On Thursday, December 2, 2021, the 20th expedition to the ISS crews conducted a check inspection of the Soyuz MS-20 spacecraft. After an introductory briefing, the cosmonauts and spaceflight participants familiarized themselves with the composition, placement of cargo and equipment in the descent vehicle and in the habitable compartment. At the end of the inspection, the crews returned no remarks and thanked all the specialists for their work.

According to the prelaunch tradition, the prime and backup crews also visited the Baikonur Cosmodrome museum, known for its unique collection of exhibits. Alexander Misurkin, and the spaceflight participants Yusaku Maezawa and Yozo Hirano signed the autographs and left notes and wishes in the visitors’ book.

Less than a week is left before the launch of the Soyuz MS-20 crewed vehicle, which will take the EP-20 crew to the International Space Station. The launch is scheduled for December 8, 2021; the mission duration will be 12 days.

The prime crew consists of Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin and spaceflight participants Yusaku Maezawa and Yozo Hirano; the backup crew consists of Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov and spaceflight participant Shun Ogiso.