NASA Astronaut Chris Williams, Crewmates Arrive at Space Station
On November 27, 2025, NASA astronaut Chris Williams, alongside Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev, successfully launched to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The launch took place at 4:27 a.m. EST, marking the beginning of a significant mission that will temporarily increase the ISS crew to ten members for the next two weeks. After a swift journey lasting just over three hours and two orbits around the Earth, the spacecraft docked with the ISS at 7:34 a.m., where it was greeted by the existing Expedition 73 crew, including NASA astronauts Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman, and Jonny Kim, as well as other international astronauts and cosmonauts.
Williams’ mission aboard the ISS is set to focus on a variety of scientific research and technology demonstrations that aim to enhance human space exploration and yield benefits for life back on Earth. Among his responsibilities will be the installation and testing of a new modular workout system designed for long-duration missions, which is crucial for maintaining astronaut health in microgravity. Additionally, he will support experiments aimed at improving cryogenic fuel efficiency and growing semiconductor crystals in space, both of which have significant implications for future space technologies. Williams will also assist in developing new re-entry safety protocols to ensure crew safety during future missions. As Expedition 74 commences on December 8, following the departure of the current crew, the ISS continues to be a hub for international cooperation and groundbreaking research in space.
For those interested in following the mission closely, NASA will provide live coverage of key events, including the hatch opening and the change of command ceremony, which will take place on December 7. Viewers can catch this coverage on various platforms, including NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube, ensuring that the excitement of space exploration remains accessible to a global audience. As the ISS continues to serve as a laboratory for scientific advancement and international collaboration, the contributions of astronauts like Chris Williams are vital for paving the way for future exploration beyond our planet.
The Soyuz rocket launches to the International Space Station with Expedition 74 crew members: NASA astronaut Chris Williams, and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev, on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
NASA/Bill Ingalls
NASA astronaut Chris Williams, accompanied by Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev, safely arrived at the International Space Station on Thursday, expanding the orbiting laboratory’s crew to 10 for the next two weeks.
The trio launched aboard the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft at 4:27 a.m. EST (2:27 p.m. Baikonur time) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. After a three-hour, two-orbit journey, the spacecraft docked at 7:34 a.m. to the space station’s Rassvet module.
Following hatch opening, expected about 10:10 a.m., the new arrivals will be welcomed by the Expedition 73 crew, including NASA astronauts Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman, and Jonny Kim; JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Kimiya Yui; and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov, Alexey Zubritsky, and Oleg Platonov.
NASA’s live coverage of hatch opening begins at 9:50 a.m. on
NASA+
,
Amazon Prime
, and
YouTube
. Learn how to
watch NASA content
through a variety of platforms, including social media.
During his stay aboard the space station, Williams will conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations aimed at advancing human space exploration and benefiting life on Earth. He will help install and test a
new modular workout system
for long-duration missions, support experiments to
improve cryogenic fuel efficiency
and
grow semiconductor crystals
in space, as well as assist NASA in designing new
re-entry safety protocols
to protect crews during future missions.
Expedition 74 is scheduled to begin on Monday, Dec. 8, following the departure of Kim, Ryzhikov, and Zubritsky, as they conclude an eight-month science mission aboard the orbital outpost.
Watch the change of command ceremony at 10:25 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, as station leadership transfers from Ryzhikov to Fincke, live on
NASA+
.
Learn more about International Space Station, crews, research, and operations at:
https://www.nasa.gov/station
-end-
Jimi Russell
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
james.j.russell@nasa.gov
Sandra Jones / Joseph Zakrzewski
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
sandra.p.jones@nasa.gov
/
joseph.a.zakrzewski@nasa.gov
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Last Updated
Nov 27, 2025
Location
NASA Headquarters
Related Terms
Humans in Space
International Space Station (ISS)
