The Incredible Journey to the International Space Station

🚀The Soyuz spacecraft takes about five hours to reach the International Space Station after liftoff from Kazakhstan.

🛰️The International Space Station orbits the Earth about once every 90 minutes.

📡The mission control centers in Moscow and Houston monitor the position and expected location of the International Space Station in its orbit.

🌍The Soyuz spacecraft uses a bielliptic transfer to reach the same altitude as the International Space Station and join its orbit.

🔒If the Soyuz spacecraft travels too fast during the rendezvous, an additional sideburn is performed to prevent a collision with the International Space Station.

How long does it take for the Soyuz spacecraft to reach the International Space Station?

—It takes about five hours for the Soyuz spacecraft to reach the International Space Station after liftoff.

How often does the International Space Station orbit the Earth?

—The International Space Station orbits the Earth about once every 90 minutes.

Who monitors the position of the International Space Station?

—The mission control centers in Moscow and Houston constantly monitor the position and expected location of the International Space Station in its orbit.

How does the Soyuz spacecraft join the orbit of the International Space Station?

—The Soyuz spacecraft uses a bielliptic transfer to reach the same altitude as the International Space Station and join its orbit.

What happens if the Soyuz spacecraft travels too fast during the rendezvous?

—If the Soyuz spacecraft travels too fast during the rendezvous, an additional sideburn is performed to change its orbital plane and prevent a collision with the International Space Station.

00:00Astronaut Alexander Gerst shares some unique footage taken inside the Soyuz spacecraft during his journey to the International Space Station.

02:40The Soyuz spacecraft is launched from Kazakhstan and speeds around the Earth to rendezvous and dock with the International Space Station.

06:10The Soyuz spacecraft uses a bielliptic transfer to reach the same altitude as the International Space Station and join its orbit.

10:51Precise maneuvers are performed to ensure the Soyuz spacecraft approaches the International Space Station safely and docks with it.

11:43The Soyuz spacecraft continually monitors its position and velocity using an onboard computer and radar system called the Kurs.