NASA Astronaut Chris Williams, Crewmates Arrive at Space Station
On November 27, 2025, NASA astronaut Chris Williams, along with Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev, successfully launched to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft. The launch took place at 4:27 a.m. EST from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, marking a significant moment in international space collaboration. After a swift three-hour journey, the spacecraft docked with the ISS at 7:34 a.m., expanding the station’s crew to a total of ten for the next two weeks. This increase in personnel is expected to enhance ongoing research and operations aboard the orbiting laboratory.
Upon arrival, the new Expedition 74 crew members were greeted by the current team, which includes NASA astronauts Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman, and Jonny Kim, alongside JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov, Alexey Zubritsky, and Oleg Platonov. The hatch opening was anticipated around 10:10 a.m. EST, with live coverage provided by NASA across multiple platforms, including NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. During his time on the ISS, Williams is set to engage in critical scientific research and technology demonstrations, focusing on advancements in human space exploration. Key projects include the installation of a new modular workout system designed for long-duration missions, experiments aimed at improving cryogenic fuel efficiency, and growing semiconductor crystals in microgravity. Additionally, he will contribute to the development of new re-entry safety protocols to ensure the safety of future crews.
As Expedition 74 progresses, the current crew is expected to conclude their eight-month science mission by December 8, 2025. This transition will be marked by a change of command ceremony on December 7, where leadership will officially transfer from Ryzhikov to Fincke. The ISS continues to serve as a vital platform for international cooperation in space research, with ongoing projects that not only advance our understanding of space but also yield benefits for life on Earth. For more information about the ISS, its crews, and their research, visit NASA’s dedicated ISS page.
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)
