Soyuz TM-18 Launch

Aside CryoSat-2 launch preparation, a manned mission to the International Space Station (ISS) took off from Baikonur Cosmodrom Launch pad Nr.1 at 10:04 sharp this morning 02/04/2010. Two Russian cosmonauts (Alexander Skortsov, Mihail Kornienko) and one US woman astronaut (Tracy Caldwell Dyson) were on board the Soyuz TM-18 capsule.

CryoSat team was invited to see the astronauts when they left the Cosmonaut hotel (just behind the Sputnik Hotel) this morning at ca 4:00 am to prepare for the flight. The team also had the permission to see the launch of the Soyuz rocket.
Pass on the windscreen of the CryoSat-2 bus.

The attendance was very large, including Baikonur school pupils . This is normal for manned missions.

A debriefing team informed in real time the public about the main events of the Countdown (even long time after the launch).

A closer view of the rocket on the launch pad.

Credits: Klaus
... and few minutes before launch, when "arms'' are opened.

Credit: Klaus
Below is a short movie of the launch. It is (always) very impressive.

The booster separation was well visible.
This crew will be be one of the first to enjoy a new element of the ISS that has been integrated last February with one of the last American shuttle missions: the Cupola. This element will, among other purposes, increase the habitability of the ISS providing astronauts, thanks to the 7 large windows, beautiful and relaxing views on Earth and the cosmos.

After this successful and very beautiful launch, let's wish to this crew a very fruitful mission !