Russian launches to space from U.S., first time in 20 years
The Hindu
A Russian cosmonaut has rocketed from the U.S. for the first time in 20 years, catching a ride with SpaceX
For the first time in 20 years, a Russian cosmonaut rocketed from the U.S. on October 5, launching to the International Space Station alongside NASA and Japanese astronauts despite tensions over the war in Ukraine.
“We’re so glad to do it together," said Anna Kikina, Russia’s lone female cosmonaut, offering thanks in both English and Russian. “Spasibo!”
She was among the three newcomers on the flight, alongside Marine Col. Nicole Mann, the first Native American woman to orbit the world, and Navy Capt. Josh Cassada. They were joined by Japan Space Agency’s Koichi Wakata, who is making his fifth spaceflight.
“Awesome!" radioed Ms. Mann. “That was a smooth ride uphill. You’ve got three rookies who are pretty happy to be floating in space right now.”
They’re due to arrive at the space station Thursday, 29 hours after departing from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, and won’t be back on Earth until March. They’re replacing a U.S.-Italian crew that arrived in April.
Their SpaceX flight was delayed by Hurricane Ian, which devastated parts of the state last week. The weather was ideal as the Falcon rocket blasted into a brilliant noontime sky.
“I hope with this launch we will brighten up the skies over Florida a little bit for everyone,” Mr. Wakata said before the flight.

Climate scientists and advocates long held an optimistic belief that once impacts became undeniable, people and governments would act. This overestimated our collective response capacity while underestimating our psychological tendency to normalise, says Rachit Dubey, assistant professor at the department of communication, University of California.




