At the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (left) displays a flight data file book titled “Fast Rendezvous” March 21 as he, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (right) train for launch to the International Space Station March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome for a 5 ½ month mission. The “fast rendezvous” refers to the expedited four-orbit, six-hour trip from the launch pad to reach the International Space Station March 29 through an accelerated rendezvous burn plan, the first time this approach will be used for crews flying to the international complex. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

Outside their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the Expedition 27 prime and backup crewmembers conducted the ceremonial raising of the Russian, U.S. and Kazakh flags on March 23, 2011 as part of their traditional pre-launch activities. Seen from left to right are prime Russian crewmembers Alexander Samokutyaev and Andrey Borisenko, prime NASA Flight Engineer Ron Garan (center) and his backup, Dan Burbank and backup Russian crewmembers Anton Shkaplerov and Anatoly Ivanishin. Garan, Samokutyaev and Borisenko are scheduled to launch on April 5 (April 4, U.S. time) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to the International Space Station on the Soyuz TMA-21 spacecraft that has been dubbed “Gagarin”, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the launch of Yuri Gagarin on April 12, 1961 to become the first human to fly in space. Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome’s Integration Facility in Kazakhstan, Expedition 34/35 Flight Engineer Chris Hadfield of the Canadian Space Agency (left), Soyuz Commander Roman Romanenko (center) and Flight Engineer Tom Marshburn (right) depart the test stand housing their Soyuz TMA-07M spacecraft Dec. 7, 2012 following a “fit check” dress rehearsal. The trio is preparing for launch Dec. 19 for a five-month mission on the International Space Station. Photo Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

With the Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft nestled inside, the third stage of a Soyuz booster rocket stands erect in the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan Sept. 19. The “encapsulation” process set the stage for the third stage of the Soyuz booster to be mated with two other rocket stages Sept. 22 in advance of the rocket’s rollout to the launch pad in Baikonur Sept. 23. Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA, Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov and Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy will launch on the Soyuz Sept. 26, Kazakh time, for the start of a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 26 Flight Engineer Catherine Coleman of NASA undergoes a pressure and leak check of her Russian Sokol launch and entry suit December 4, 2010 prior to a fit check in the Soyuz TMA-20 spacecraft she, Soyuz Commander Dmitry Kondratyev and Flight Engineer Paolo Nespoli of the European Space Agency will launch in December 16 (Baikonur time) to the International Space Station. Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

(31 March 2011) --- At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, NASA astronaut Ron Garan (from left), Expedition 27 flight engineer, and Russian cosmonauts Alexander Samokutyaev, Soyuz commander, and Andrey Borisenko, flight engineer, take a moment from their final Soyuz training session March 31, 2011 as preparations continue for their launch April 5 (Kazakhstan time) on the Soyuz TMA-21 spacecraft to the International Space Station. The Soyuz, which has been dubbed “Gagarin”, is launching one week shy of the 50th anniversary of the launch of Yuri Gagarin from the same launch pad in Baikonur to become the first human to fly in space. Photo credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

In Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the backup Expedition 32/33 crewmembers are treated to a traditional Kazakh meal in ceremonial garb in a “yurt” or native hut July 7, 2012 as part of the pre-launch ceremonies that will lead to the launch of the prime crew --- NASA’s Sunita Williams, Yuri Malenchenko and Aki Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency --- to the International Space Station July 15 in their Soyuz TMA-05M spacecraft. Enjoying a free afternoon in Baikonur were backup Flight Engineer Chris Hadfield of the Canadian Space Agency (second from the left), NASA’s Tom Marshburn (second from the right) and Russian Soyuz Commander Roman Romanenko (far right). NASA/Victor Zelentsov

Expedition 37/38 backup crewmember Steve Swanson of NASA signs a wall mural depicting a Soyuz rocket during a tour of the famed Korolev Museum at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan Sept. 17. Swanson, Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Artemyev are serving as backups to the prime crewmembers, Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA, Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov and Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy, who are preparing for launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft for a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

JSC2010-E-043836 (29 March 2010) --- NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson, Expedition 23 flight engineer, participates in the final unsuited Soyuz fit check on March 29, 2010 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan. She and two Russian cosmonauts are scheduled to launch aboard the Soyuz TMA-18 spacecraft on April 2 (Kazakhstan time). Photo credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

The Expedition 33/34 crew arrives at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan October 9, 2012 after a flight from their training base in Star City, Russia for final training leading to their launch October 23 to the International Space Station in their Soyuz TMA-06M spacecraft. From top to bottom are NASA Flight Engineer Kevin Ford, Flight Engineer Evgeny Tarelkin and Soyuz Commander Oleg Novitskiy. The trio will spend five months on the orbital laboratory, returning to Earth in March 2013. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 36/37 Flight Engineer Karen Nyberg of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin (center) and Flight Engineer Luca Parmitano of the European Space Agency (right) pose for pictures May 24 in front of the first stage engines of their Soyuz rocket in the Integration Facility following the final “fit check” dress rehearsal by the prime and backup crews. Nyberg, Yurchikhin and Parmitano are preparing for launch May 29, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-09M spacecraft to begin a 5 ½ month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

Expedition 27 Flight Engineer Andrey Borisenko (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev (center) and NASA Flight Engineer Ron Garan (right) display their Soyuz crew patch aboard a Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center plane as they flew from Star City, Russia to the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan March 21, 2011. There, they will complete training for their launch April 5 (April 4, U.S. time) on the Soyuz TMA-21 spacecraft to the International Space Station. Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

Expedition 28 JAXA (Japanase Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut and Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa performs the traditional door signing Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at the Cosmonaut Hotel in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Furukawa was launched onboard the Soyuz rocket the following morning with Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov and NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Photo Credit: (NASA/Victor Zelentsov)

Expedition 27 tree planting – March 29, 2011

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 25 Flight Engineer Scott Kelly of NASA undergoes leak checks to his Sokol launch and entry suit September 26, 2010 as he and Flight Engineers Alexander Kaleri and Oleg Skripochka prepare for their launch October 8 in the Soyuz TMA-01M spacecraft to the International Space Station. Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

In Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 34/35 backup crewmembers Karen Nyberg of NASA (left) , Fyodor Yurchikhin (center) and Luca Parmitano of the European Space Agency (right) pose for pictures Dec. 9, 2012 in front of a statue of Yuri Gagarin, the first human to fly in space, during a traditional tour of the city. Prime crewmembers Flight Engineer Tom Marshburn of NASA, Soyuz Commander Roman Romanenko and Flight Engineer Chris Hadfield of the Canadian Space Agency will launch Dec. 19 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in their Soyuz TMA-07M spacecraft for a five-month mission on the International Space Station. Photo Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

Taking time out from training, Expedition 33/34 Flight Engineer Kevin Ford of NASA (left) and backup Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (right) play a game of chess at their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan October 17, 2012. Ford, Soyuz Commander Oleg Novitskiy and Flight Engineer Evgeny Tarelkin are preparing for launch October 23 in their Soyuz TMA-06M spacecraft to spend five months on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA is helped into his Russian Sokol launch and entry suit Sept. 14 for a “fit check” dress rehearsal training exercise. Hopkins, Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov and Flight Sergey Ryazanskiy are preparing for launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time, from Baikonur on their Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft to begin a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Expedition 30 prime and backup crews pose for pictures around a poster of Yuri Gagarin, the first human to fly in space, as they toured the Korolev Museum November 9, 2011 following a final inspection of their Soyuz TMA-22 spacecraft. From left to right are the prime crew, Expedition 30 Commander Dan Burbank of NASA, Flight Engineer Anatoly Ivanishin, Soyuz Commander Anton Shkaplerov, and the backup crew, Gennady Padalka, Joe Acaba of NASA and Sergei Revin. Burbank, Shkaplerov and Ivanishin are completing training for launch November 14 on the Soyuz TMA-22 from Baikonur to the International Space Station. Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

Behind the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 36/37 Flight Engineer Luca Parmitano of the European Space Agency (left), Soyuz Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin (center) and Flight Karen Nyberg of NASA (right) pose for pictures May 22 following a traditional tree-planting ceremony. Nyberg, Yurchikhin and Parmitano are preparing for their launch May 29, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-09M spacecraft to begin a 5 ½ month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

In Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 30 Commander Dan Burbank of NASA (left) and Flight Engineer Anatoly Ivanishin play a game of badminton at their crew quarters at the Cosmonaut Hotel on November 8, 2011. Burbank, Ivanishin and Soyuz Commander Anton Shkaplerov will launch from Baikonur on November 14 in their Soyuz TMA-22 spacecraft to the International Space Station. Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

Outside their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, The Expedition 32 prime and backup crew members raised the U.S., Russian, Japanese and Kazakh flags July 4, 2012 in a traditional ceremony that was part of the pre-launch activities leading up to the launch of the next crew to the International Space Station. NASA Flight Engineer Sunita Williams, Soyuz Commander Yuri Malenchenko and Flight Engineer Aki Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency will launch to the station July 15 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in their Soyuz TMA-05M spacecraft. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

The upper stages of the Soyuz TMA-05M spacecraft are hoisted in the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan July 11, 2012 in preparation for mating with the first stage as preparations continued for the launch July 15 of Expedition 32/33 Soyuz Commander Yuri Malenchenko, NASA Flight Engineer Sunita Williams and Flight Engineer Aki Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency to the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 34/35 Flight Engineer Chris Hadfield of the Canadian Space Agency climbs aboard the Soyuz TMA-07M spacecraft for the final “fit check” dress rehearsal Dec. 14, 2012 leading to launch along with Soyuz Commander Roman Romanenko and Flight Engineer Tom Marshburn of NASA Dec. 19 from Baikonur for a five-month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Expedition 33/34 crew posed for pictures October 10, 2012 in front of their Soyuz TMA-06M spacecraft during the first of two “fit check” dress rehearsal sessions. NASA Flight Engineer Kevin Ford (left), Soyuz Commander Oleg Novitskiy (center) and Flight Engineer Evgeny Tarelkin (right) are in the final phase of their training for launch October 23 for a five-month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 32/33 Flight Engineer Aki Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (left), Soyuz Commander Yuri Malenchenko (center) and NASA Flight Engineer Sunita Williams (right) walk by the upper stage of their Soyuz booster rocket in the Integration Facility July 3, 2012 as they completed a suited “fit check” of the Soyuz TMA-05M spacecraft that they will launch in July 15 to the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Soyuz TMA-06M spacecraft is moved into position for insertion into the upper stage of its Soyuz booster rocket October 16, 2012. The Soyuz is being prepared for launch October 23 to the International Space Station with NASA Flight Engineer Kevin Ford, Soyuz Commander Oleg Novitskiy and Flight Engineer Evgeny Tarelkin for a five-month mission on the orbital laboratory. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 36/37 Flight Engineer Karen Nyberg of NASA signs a mural depicting a Soyuz rocket launch in the Korolev Museum May 24 following the final “fit check” dress rehearsal before launch. Nyberg, Flight Engineer Luca Parmitano of the European Space Agency and Soyuz Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin are preparing for launch May 29, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-09M spacecraft to begin a 5 ½ month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA conducts a leak check of his Russian Sokol launch and entry suit March 17 as he runs through a systems dress rehearsal called a “fit check” Cassidy, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin are preparing for launch to the International Space Station from Baikonur on March 29, Kazakh time. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

With officials looking on, the Expedition 30 prime and backup crews conducted the traditional flag-raising ceremony outside their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarter in Baikonur, Kazakhstan on November 2, 2011 as they prepare for the launch of the Soyuz TMA-22 spacecraft on November 14. On the left, prime Soyuz Commander Anton Shkaplerov and Flight Engineer Anatoly Ivanishin hoist the flag of the Russian Federation; in the center, Expedition 30 Commander Dan Burbank of NASA and his backup, NASA’s Joe Acaba (hidden) raise the U.S. flag; on the right, backup crewmembers Sergei Revin and Gennady Padalka raise the flag of Kazakhstan. Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 31/32 Flight Engineer Joe Acaba of NASA boards the Soyuz TMA-04M spacecraft in its assembly building May 11, 2012, as he, Soyuz Commander Gennady Padalka and Flight Engineer Sergei Revin completed their final inspection of the vehicle prior to their launch May 15 to begin a four-months mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov (center) and Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy (right) clasp hands in front of the first stage engines of the Soyuz booster rocket Sept. 20 as they completed a final “fit check” inspection of their Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft. Hopkins, Kotov and Ryazanskiy are preparing for launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time, to begin a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the prime and backup crews for Expedition 25 pose for pictures at the Korolev Museum October 3, 2010 as Flight Engineers Scott Kelly, Alexander Kaleri and Oleg Skripochka prepare for launch in the Soyuz TMA-01M spacecraft October 8 en route to the International Space Station. Shown from left to right are Kelly, Kaleri, Skripochka and their backups, Oleg Kononenko, Sergei Volkov and Ron Garan. Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 25 Flight Engineers Scott Kelly of NASA, Alexander Kaleri and Oleg Skripochka (left to right) take a moment to pose for pictures in front of their Soyuz TMA-01M spacecraft during a training and Soyuz inspection exercise September 26, 2010 as they prepare for launch October 8 to the International Space Station. Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

JSC2010-E-044365 (30 March 2010) --- In preparation for an April 2 liftoff for Expedition 23, the final assembly for Soyuz TMA-18 was performed March 30 by TsSKB-Progress personnel in the Launch Vehicle Assembly facility at Site 112 of Baikonur Cosmodrome. Photo credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft is encapsulated into the third stage of a Soyuz booster rocket March 22. The operation was part of the preparation for the Soyuz’ launch March 29, Kazakh time, to carry Expedition 35/36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin to the International Space Station for a 5 ½ month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

11-12-12: In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 38/39 Flight Engineer Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency climbs aboard the Soyuz TMA-11M spacecraft Nov. 3 during the crew’s final fit check dress rehearsal. Wakata, Soyuz Commander Mikhail Tyurin and Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA will launch Nov. 7, Kazakh time, for a six-month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 34/35 Soyuz Commander Roman Romanenko (center) holds a toy “talisman” that his 9-year old daughter, Anastasia, gave him to hang over his seat in the Soyuz TMA-07M spacecraft as a zero-G indicator during launch with his crewmates, Flight Engineer Tom Marshburn of NASA (left) and Flight Engineer Chris Hadfield of the Canadian Space Agency (right). The toy, named “Klyopa” for the Egyptian queen Cleopatra, was unveiled during a “fit check” dress rehearsal Dec. 7, 2012 in Baikonur leading to the crew’s launch Dec. 19 for a five-month mission on the International Space Station. Photo Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

11-11-56: In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 38/39 Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA climbs aboard the Soyuz TMA-11M spacecraft Nov. 3 during the crew’s final fit check dress rehearsal. Mastracchio, Soyuz Commander Mikhail Tyurin and Flight Engineer Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency will launch Nov. 7, Kazakh time, for a six-month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 27 Flight Engineer Ron Garan of NASA conducts a leak check of his Russian Sokol launch and entry suit during a dress rehearsal of launch activities March 22, 2011. Garan, Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev and Flight Engineer Andrey Borisenko are scheduled to launch April 5 (April 4, U.S. time) in the Soyuz TMA-21 spacecraft that has been dubbed “Gagarin” in honor of the 50th anniversary of the launch of Yuri Gagarin as the first human in space from the same launch pad that the Expedition 27 will begin its journey from. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

Dressed in traditional Kazakh garb, Expedition 37/38 backup crewmembers Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Alexander Skvortsov (center) and Oleg Artemyev (right) enjoy festivities and a Kazakh meal in Baikonur, Kazakhstan Sept. 17. Swanson, Skvortsov and Artemyev are serving as backups to the prime crewmembers, Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA, Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov and Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy, who are preparing for launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft for a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 34/35 Flight Engineer Chris Hadfield of the Canadian Space Agency inspects the Soyuz TMA-07M spacecraft during a “fit check” dress rehearsal Dec. 7, 2012. Hadfield, Soyuz Commander Roman Romanenko and Flight Engineer Tom Marshburn of NASA will launch from Baikonur Dec. 19 for a five-month mission on the International Space Station. Photo Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft hovers behind the third stage of a Soyuz rocket Sept. 19 prior to its encapsulation into the booster. Standing in the midst of other Soyuz rocket components being prepared for future flights, the Soyuz spacecraft will move to its launch pad Sept. 23 for final preparations for launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time, to carry Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA, Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov and Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy into orbit for the start of a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

In Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 30 Commander Dan Burbank of NASA gets in some exercise on a treadmill at his Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters November 8, 2011. Burbank, Soyuz Commander Anton Shkaplerov and Flight Engineer Anatoly Ivanishin will launch in the Soyuz TMA-22 spacecraft on November 14 from Baikonur bound for the International Space Station. Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

In Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 30 Commander Dan Burbank of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Anton Shkaplerov (center) and Flight Engineer Anatoly Ivanishin review docking procedures on a laptop computer during training at their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters November 8, 2011. The trio will launch in the Soyuz TMA-22 spacecraft from Baikonur on November 14 bound for the International Space Station. Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

59-49-3: At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 40/41 Flight Engineer Reid Wiseman of NASA poses for pictures as he boards the Soyuz TMA-13M spacecraft May 24 during the final fit check training dress rehearsal. Wiseman, Soyuz Commander Max Suraev of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Flight Engineer Alexander Gerst of the European Space Agency will launch May 29, Kazakh time, on the Soyuz TMA-13M spacecraft for a 5 ½ month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

Expedition 32 Flight Engineer Aki Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (left), Soyuz Commander Yuri Malenchenko (center) and NASA Flight Engineer Sunita Williams (right) arrive at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan July 2, 2012 after a flight from their training base in Star City, Russia for final pre-launch preparations. The trio will be launched July 15 from Baikonur to the International Space Station in their Soyuz TMA-05 spacecraft for a four-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

NASA/Victor Zelentsov

Coleman, Kondratyev and Nespoli depart Integration stand with Soyuz TMA-20 at completion of final fit check. -NASA/Victor Zelentsov

JSC2010-E-044357 (30 March 2010) --- In preparation for an April 2 liftoff for Expedition 23, the final assembly for Soyuz TMA-18 was performed March 30 by TsSKB-Progress personnel in the Launch Vehicle Assembly facility at Site 112 of Baikonur Cosmodrome. Photo credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

In the Integration Building at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 38/39 Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA conducts a leak check of his Russian Sokol launch and entry suit during a fit check dress rehearsal October 28. Mastracchio, Soyuz Commander Mikhail Tyurin and Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency will launch Nov. 7, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-11M spacecraft from Baikonur to begin a six-month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA flexes his arms during a pressure check of his Russian Sokol launch and entry suit Sept. 14 as part of a “fit check” dress rehearsal training exercise. Hopkins, Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov and Flight Sergey Ryazanskiy are preparing for launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time, from Baikonur on their Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft to begin a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA poses for photos by a tree planted in his name behind the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan Sept. 18. The tree planting was part of traditional ceremonies as Hopkins, Kotov and Ryazanskiy prepare to launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on their Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft for a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

Expedition 28 NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum performs the traditional door signing Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at the Cosmonaut Hotel in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Fossum was launched onboard the Soyuz rocket the following morning with Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov and JAXA (Japanase Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut and Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Photo Credit: (NASA/Victor Zelentsov)

NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 32/33 Flight Engineer Aki Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency participates in a leak check of his Russian launch and entry suit July 3, 2012 as part of the suited “fit check” of the Soyuz TMA-05M spacecraft that will launch him, Soyuz Commander Yuri Malenchenko and Flight Engineer Sunita Williams of NASA to the International Space Station on July 15. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

Surrounded by technicians at the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 35/36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (left), Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (center) and Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (right) discuss the preparation of their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft March 23 during a final inspection of the vehicle. The three crewmembers will launch in the Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft to the International Space Station on March 29, Kazakh time, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome for a 5 ½ month mission on the orbital laboratory. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

Expedition 27 tree planting – March 29, 2011

In Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 34/35 backup crewmembers Karen Nyberg of NASA (left), Luca Parmitano of the European Space Agency (center) and Fyodor Yurchikhin (right) view an exhibit honoring the Space Shuttle Program Dec. 9, 2012 during a traditional tour of the city. Nyberg flew on the STS-124 mission of the shuttle Discovery in 2008 and Yurchikhin flew on the shuttle Atlantis in 2002. Prime crewmembers Flight Engineer Tom Marshburn of NASA, Soyuz Commander Roman Romanenko and Flight Engineer Chris Hadfield of the Canadian Space Agency will launch Dec. 19 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in their Soyuz TMA-07M spacecraft for a five-month mission on the International Space Station. Photo Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Expedition 33/34 crew posed for pictures October 10, 2012 next to the upper stage of the Soyuz rocket that will boost them and their Soyuz TMA-06M spacecraft to orbit October 23 to begin a five-month mission on the International Space Station. NASA Flight Engineer Kevin Ford (left), Soyuz Commander Oleg Novitskiy (center) and Flight Engineer Evgeny Tarelkin (right) took a break in the first of two so-called “fit check” dress rehearsal sessions as they entered the final phase of their training for launch. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov (center) and Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy (right) walk past the Soyuz booster rocket Sept. 14 during a “fit check” dress rehearsal training exercise. The three crewmembers are preparing for launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time, from Baikonur on their Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft to begin a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

Photographer: Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the prime and backup crews of Expedition 25 conduct the traditional raising of flags outside their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters September 27, 2010. From left to right are prime crew Flight Engineers Alexander Kaleri and Oleg Skripochka raising the Russian flag, backup Ron Garan joining prime crewmember Scott Kelly to raise the American flag and backup crewmembers Sergei Volkov and Oleg Kononenko (hidden) raising the Kazakh flag. Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the next trio of crewmembers who will launch to the International Space Station review launch and docking flight plans May 10, 2012 as they prepare for liftoff to the orbital outpost. With their instructor (far left) are Expedition 31/32 Flight Engineer Sergei Revin (second from left), Soyuz Commander Gennady Padalka and Flight Engineer Joe Acaba of NASA (far right). They will launch May 15 on the Soyuz TMA-04M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome to begin a four-month mission on the orbital outpost. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

NASA’s prime and backup crewmembers for Expedition 35-36 share a quiet moment March 17 during a systems dress rehearsal called a “fit check” at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy (left), Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin are preparing for launch to the International Space Station from Baikonur on March 29, Kazakh time. Cassidy’s backup, Michael Hopkins (right), is scheduled to launch to the station in September. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the next trio of crewmembers bound for the International Space Station pose in front of the hatchway to their Soyuz TMA-04M spacecraft May 11, 2012 as they completed their final “fit check” inspection of the vehicle in its assembly building prior to launch. Expedition 31/32 Flight Engineer Sergei Revin (left), Soyuz Commander Gennady Padalka (center) and NASA Flight Engineer Joe Acaba (right) will liftoff from Baikonur May 15 to begin a four-month mission on the orbital complex. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Soyuz TMA-04M spacecraft stands poised in its integration facility May 8, 2012 ready to be enshrouded in the upper stage of the rocket that will launch it and three new crewmembers to the International Space Station. The Soyuz will carry Soyuz Commander Gennady Padalka, NASA Flight Engineer Joe Acaba and Flight Engineer Sergei Revin to the orbital complex on May 15 for a four-month mission. The Soyuz will rollout to its launch pad in Baikonur on May 13. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 35-36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (center) and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin (right) review expedited rendezvous procedures with trainers March 21 as they prepare for launch to the International Space Station March 29, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome for a 5 ½ month mission. The expedited rendezvous refers to the accelerated four-orbit, six-hour trip from the launch pad to reach the International Space Station March 29 through an revised rendezvous burn plan, the first time this approach will be used for crews flying to the international complex. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 33/34 Flight Engineer Kevin Ford of NASA undergoes a pressure and leak check of his Russian Sokol launch and entry suit in the Site 254 Integration Facility October 10, 2012 during the first of two “fit check” dress rehearsal sessions. Ford, Soyuz Commander Oleg Novitskiy and Flight Engineer Evgeny Tarelkin are in the final phase of their training for launch October 23 in their Soyuz TMA-06M spacecraft for a five-month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Korolev Museum at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Expedition 34/35 prime and backup crewmembers reflect the spirit of the holiday season as they pose for pictures in front of a wall mural depicting the cosmos and a model of Sputnik 1, the first satellite launched into orbit in October 1957 during ceremonial activities Dec. 14, 2012. From left to right are backup crewmembers Karen Nyberg of NASA, Luca Parmitano of the European Space Agency and Fyodor Yurchikhin and prime crewmembers Soyuz Commander Roman Romanenko, Flight Engineer Chris Hadfield of the Canadian Space Agency and Flight Engineer Tom Marshburn of NASA. Romanenko, Hadfield and Marshburn will launch Dec. 19 on the Soyuz TMA-07M spacecraft for a five-month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

Expedition 32/33 Flight Engineer Sunita Williams of NASA plants a tree in her name behind the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan July 9, 2012 as part of the traditional ceremonies leading up to her launch July 15 to the International Space Station in their Soyuz TMA-05M spacecraft. Assisting Williams were, from left to right, Flight Engineer Aki Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Soyuz Commander Yuri Malenchenko and backup crew members Tom Marshburn of NASA, Chris Hadfield of the Canadian Space Agency and Russian cosmonaut Roman Romanenko. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

Expedition 37/38 backup crewmember Steve Swanson of NASA views a model of a Soyuz rocket during a tour of the famed Korolev Museum at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan Sept. 17. Swanson, Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Artemyev are serving as backups to the prime crewmembers, Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA, Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov and Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy, who are preparing for launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft for a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 35/36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA enters the Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft March 23 during a final inspection of the vehicle. Cassidy, Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin and Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov will launch in the Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft to the International Space Station on March 29, Kazakh time, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome for a 5 ½ month mission on the orbital laboratory. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Expedition 35-36 prime and backup crews pose for pictures March 17 during a systems dress rehearsal called a “fit check”. Left to right in the front row is the prime crew --- NASA Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy, Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin. Left to the right in the back row are backup crewmembers Michael Hopkins of NASA, Oleg Kotov and Sergey Ryazanskiy. Cassidy, Vinogradov and Misurkin are preparing for launch to the International Space Station from Baikonur on March 29, Kazakh time. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

Photographer: Victor Zelentsov

At the the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Expedition 32/33 crewmembers pose for pictures in front of the engines of the first stage of their Soyuz booster rocket July 10, 2012 following a final check of the Soyuz TMA-05M vehicle they will launch in July 15 to the International Space Station. From left to right are Flight Engineer Aki Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Soyuz Commander Yuri Malenchenko and NASA Flight Engineer Sunita Williams. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 30 Flight Engineer Anatoly Ivanishin (left), Soyuz Commander Anton Shkaplerov (center) and Expedition 30 Commander Dan Burbank of NASA (right) pose for pictures in front of their Soyuz booster rocket November 9, 2011 as they prepare for launch November 14 on the Soyuz TMA-22 spacecraft from Baikonur to the International Space Station. Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 27 Flight Engineer Ron Garan of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev (center) and Flight Engineer Andrey Borisenko pose for pictures outside their Soyuz TMA-21 spacecraft during a check of its systems March 22, 2011. The Soyuz, which has been dubbed “Gagarin” and which bears the likeness of cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space, is scheduled for launch on April 5 (April 4, U.S. time), just one week shy of the 50th anniversary of Gagarin’s historic journey into space from the same launch pad that the Expedition 27 crew will begin their mission from.NASA/Victor Zelentso v

Under the watchful eye of backup crewmember Oleg Artemyev (rear), Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA plays a game of billiards at the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan Sept. 18. Hopkins, Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov and Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy are set to launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on their Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft for a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 36/37 Flight Engineer Luca Parmitano of the European Space Agency boards the Soyuz TMA-09M spacecraft in the Integration Facility May 24 in support of the final “fit check” dress rehearsal by the prime and backup crews. Parmitano, and his crewmates, Flight Engineer Karen Nyberg of NASA and Soyuz Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin are preparing for launch May 29, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz to begin a 5 ½ month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 34/35 Flight Engineer Chris Hadfield of the Canadian Space Agency conducts a “fit check” dress rehearsal inside the Soyuz TMA-07M spacecraft Dec. 7, 2012. Along with Soyuz Commander Roman Romanenko and Flight Engineer Tom Marshburn of NASA, who are not pictured, Hadfield is preparing for launch Dec. 19 for a five-month mission on the International Space Station. Photo Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Soyuz TMA-07M spacecraft is moved into place for its encapsulation into the upper stage of the Soyuz booster Dec. 12, 2012 as preparations continue for the launch of the Expedition 34/35 crew. The vehicle will be rolled to the launch pad at Baikonur Dec. 17 in advance of the Dec. 19 launch of NASA Flight Engineer Tom Marshburn, Soyuz Commander Roman Romanenko and Flight Engineer Chris Hadfield of the Canadian Space Agency for a five-month mission on the International Space Station. Photo Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

Flanked by his crewmates, Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA (left) and Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy (right), Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov (center) is greeted by Russian space officials at an airport in Baikonur, Kazakhstan Sept. 13 near the launch site at the Baikonur Cosmodrome after a flight from their training base outside Moscow earlier in the day. Hopkins, Kotov and Ryazanskiy will launch from Baikonur Sept. 26, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft for a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

Taking time out from training, Expedition 33/34 Flight Engineer Kevin Ford of NASA works out on a treadmill at the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan October 17, 2012 under the watchful eye of backup Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA. Ford, Soyuz Commander Oleg Novitskiy and Flight Engineer Evgeny Tarelkin are preparing for launch October 23 in their Soyuz TMA-06M spacecraft to spend five months on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA runs through his procedures inside the Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft Sept. 14 as part of a “fit check” dress rehearsal training exercise. Hopkins, Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov and Flight Sergey Ryazanskiy are preparing for launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time, from Baikonur on their Soyuz vehicle to begin a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

The Soyuz TMA-05M spacecraft and booster are seen at the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan July 11, 2012 following the mating of the upper stages of the vehicle to the first stage as preparations continued for the launch July 15 of Expedition 32/33 Soyuz Commander Yuri Malenchenko, NASA Flight Engineer Sunita Williams and Flight Engineer Aki Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency to the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

Expedition 27 Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev (foreground) and Flight Engineer Andrey Borisenko affix their Soyuz crew patch aboard a Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center plane as they flew from Star City, Russia to the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan March 21, 2011 with their crewmate, NASA Flight Engineer Ron Garan. In Baikonur, they will complete training for their launch April 5 (April 4, U.S. time) on the Soyuz TMA-21 spacecraft to the International Space Station. Credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA flashes a smile as he boards the Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft Sept. 20. Hopkins and his crewmates, Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov and Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy completed a final “fit check” dress rehearsal of procedures leading to their launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time, from Baikonur to begin a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 37/38 Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov (center) and Flight Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy (right) pose for pictures in front of their Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft Sept. 20 as they completed a final “fit check” dress rehearsal of procedures leading to their launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time, from Baikonur to begin a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Oct. 4, 2010 Final assembly of Soyuz for Exp. 25 scheduled launch on Oct. 8 (Kazakhstan time) Photo credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the Expedition 37/38 prime and backup crewmembers raise the U.S., Russian and Kazakh flags Sept. 15 in a traditional ceremony. The event was part of the activities that will lead to the launch Sept. 26, Kazakh time, of Michael Hopkins of NASA, Oleg Kotov and Sergey Ryazanskiy from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on their Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft to begin a five and a half month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

Behind the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 36/37 Flight Engineer Karen Nyberg of NASA plants a tree in her name in a traditional ceremony May 22 as backup crewmember Mikhail Tyurin (left), prime Flight Engineer Luca Parmitano of the European Space Agency (second from left) and prime Soyuz Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin look on. Nyberg, Yurchikhin and Parmitano are preparing for their launch May 29, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-09M spacecraft to begin a 5 ½ month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

In the Integration Building at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 38/39 Flight Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency conducts a leak check of his Russian Sokol launch and entry suit during a fit check dress rehearsal October 28. Wakata, Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA and Soyuz Commander Mikhail Tyurin will launch Nov. 7, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-11M spacecraft from Baikonur to begin a six-month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 35/36 Soyuz Commander Pavel Vinogradov (left) and Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy of NASA (right) discuss the ISS Progress 51 cargo ship in front of them March 23 that is being prepared for launch to the International Space Station in late April and which will be greeted by the trio and three other crewmates. Cassidy, Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin are in the final days of training for their launch March 29, Kazakh time, to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in their Soyuz TMA-08M spacecraft for a 5 ½ month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

Soyuz TMA-02 final inspection by the crew, crew visits to Building 112 and museum NASA/Victor Zelentsov

NASA/Victor Zelentsov

(9 Dec. 2010) --- At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Soyuz TMA-20 spacecraft is shown before the its encapsulation into its payload fairing on Dec. 9, 2010. The vehicle is set to launch Dec. 16 (Kazakhstan time) to deliver NASA astronaut Catherine (Cady) Coleman, Expedition 26 flight engineer; Soyuz commander Dmitry Kondratyev of Russia's Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and European Space Agency astronaut Paolo Nespoli, flight engineer, to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov

JSC2010-E-043837 (29 March 2010) --- The Expedition 23 crew poses for pictures in front of their Soyuz TMA-18 following the final fit check at Baikonur Cosmodrome on March 29, 2010. From left are NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson, flight engineer, with Russian cosmonauts Alexander Skvortsov, Soyuz commander and Expedition 23 flight engineer; and Mikhail Kornienko, flight engineer. Photo credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov