Scott Kelly, an American astronaut and Mikhail Kornienko, a Russian cosmonaut were captured by Soyuz’s spacecraft and successfully docked to the International Space Station (ISS). They then began their marathon 342-day space stay. The nearly one-year stay they had is more than double that of standard ISS missions. As they collect data to support future deep-space missions, scientists want to determine the health effects of prolonged periods of weightlessness on muscle mass, bone density, and heart function. Russian cosmonaut GennadyPadalka, who will spend six months in space with the Russian Soyuz capsule, was also carried by the Russian Soyuz rocket. On Saturday, the rocket took off from Russia’s Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan (Kosmodrom Baikonur) American Astronaut Scott Kelly (left), and Russian Cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko (right) will each spend almost a full year in space. NASA Image. Two astronauts set new records. The ISS claims that if they last the 342 day, the ISS will have the longest continuous existence of two human beings. Numerous Russian cosmonauts have spent 16 years at Mir Russian Space Station in 1990. NASA claims that the astronauts will be able to support hundreds of experiments in Earth science and biotechnology. This is research that has an impact on life on Earth. Many experiments will be performed to compare the samples of Scott Kelly’s twin brother Mark Kelly (a former NASA astronaut). By gathering and analyzing data on samples from the genetically-identical Kelly brothers, the scientists will be able to identify any subtle changes caused by being in space for so long. Both Russian and American cargo vehicles, which will carry supplies, including fuel and food for several tonnes, will be bringing the supply materials to the station. Pakalka will be Expedition commander when Cristoforetti and Virts return home in May. After Padalka’s six-month mission is over, Pakalka will be the fourth station commander and hold the record for the longest time in space. Soyuz Launches with Expedition Crew. NASA Image. Kelly has health concerns. Mr. Kelly spoke out ahead of launch to express concern about radiation, living in zero gravity, and his vision, as well as the possibility of damage to his immune system and bone density. Kelly stated that he was hopeful there wasn’t a cliff in space travel. We won’t know until we do it. “The jury is out.” NASA video – Physical Performance Studies. NASA scientist John Charles discusses the research that NASA will conduct to study the effects of weightlessness upon human bones, muscles, and hearts.
Russian and American begin marathon 342-day space stay
