ISS030-E-005005 (21 Nov. 2011) --- The Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft departs from the International Space Station on Nov. 21, 2011. NASA astronaut Mike Fossum, Expedition 29 commander; Russian cosmonaut Sergei Volkov and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, both flight engineers, are returning from more than five months aboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 28 and 29 crews.
The upper stage of the Soyuz TMA-02M rocket in which the crew capsule is located is pictured here during the rollout of the rocket on Sunday, June 5, 2011 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The upper stage of the Soyuz TMA-02M rocket, in which the crew capsule is located, is pictured here at the launch pad on Sunday, June 5, 2011 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The TMA-02M spacecraft will carry Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov of Russia, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa to the Internationa Space Station. Photo Credit (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The upper stage of the Soyuz TMA-02M rocket, in which the crew capsule is located, is pictured here as it arrives at the launch pad on Sunday, June 5, 2011 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Large gantry mechanisms on either side of the Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft are raised into position to secure the rocket at the launch pad on Sunday, June 5, 2011 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Large gantry mechanisms on either side of the Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft are raised into position to secure the rocket at the launch pad on Sunday, June 5, 2011 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
A Russian security guard stands watch as a Russian military helicopter flies overhead during the rollout of the Soyuz TMA-02M rocket to the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Sunday, June 5, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft is rolled out by train on its way to the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Sunday, June 5, 2011. The launch of the Soyuz spacecraft with Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov of Russia, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa is scheduled for 2:15 a.m. local time on Wednesday, June 8, 2011. Photo Credit (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft is seen in the distance on its way to the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Sunday, June 5, 2011. The launch of the Soyuz spacecraft with Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov of Russia, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa is scheduled for 2:15 a.m. local time on Wednesday, June 8, 2011. Photo Credit (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft is rolled out by train on its way to the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Sunday, June 5, 2011. The launch of the Soyuz spacecraft with Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov of Russia, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa is scheduled for 2:15 a.m. local time on Wednesday, June 8, 2011. Photo Credit (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft is rolled out by train on its way to the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Sunday, June 5, 2011. The launch of the Soyuz spacecraft with Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov of Russia, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa is scheduled for 2:15 a.m. local time on Wednesday, June 8, 2011. Photo Credit (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft is rolled out by train on its way to the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Sunday, June 5, 2011. The launch of the Soyuz spacecraft with Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov of Russia, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa is scheduled for 2:15 a.m. local time on Wednesday, June 8, 2011. Photo Credit (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft is carried by train on its way to the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Sunday, June 5, 2011. The launch of the Soyuz spacecraft with Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov of Russia, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa is scheduled for 2:15 a.m. local time on Wednesday, June 8, 2011. Photo Credit (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft is rolled out by train on its way to the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Sunday, June 5, 2011. The launch of the Soyuz spacecraft with Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov of Russia, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa is scheduled for 2:15 a.m. local time on Wednesday, June 8, 2011. Photo Credit (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft is carried by train on its way to the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Sunday, June 5, 2011. The launch of the Soyuz spacecraft with Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov of Russia, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa is scheduled for 2:15 a.m. local time on Wednesday, June 8, 2011. Photo Credit (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft is rolled out by train on its way to the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Sunday, June 5, 2011. The launch of the Soyuz spacecraft with Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov of Russia, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa is scheduled for 2:15 a.m. local time on Wednesday, June 8, 2011. Photo Credit (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft is raised into vertical position at the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Sunday, June 5, 2011. The rocket is being prepared for launch June 8 to carry the crew of Expedition 28 to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft is raised into vertical position at the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Sunday, June 5, 2011. The rocket is being prepared for launch June 8 to carry the crew of Expedition 28 to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft is seen at the launch pad after being raised into vertical position on Sunday, June 5, 2011 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The launch of the Soyuz spacecraft with Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov of Russia, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa is scheduled for Wednesday, June 8, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft is seen at the launch pad after being raised into vertical position on Sunday, June 5, 2011 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The launch of the Soyuz spacecraft with Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov of Russia, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa is scheduled for Wednesday, June 8, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz rocket is seen as it approaches the Soyuz launch pad in the distance on Sunday, June 5, 2011 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The TMA-02M spacecraft will carry Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov of Russia, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa to the Internationa Space Station. Photo Credit (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan early Wednesday, June 8, 2011 carrying Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov of Russia, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa to the International Space Station. They will arrive at the station Thursday to join the Expedition 28 crew. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan early Wednesday, June 8, 2011 carrying Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov of Russia, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The flags representing Kazakhstan and the nations of the three crew members who will launch in the Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft are shown at the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Sunday, June 5, 2011. From left to right are the flags of Kazakhstan, the United States, Japan and Russia. Scheduled to launch on June 8 local time are Expedition 28 NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa and Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov of Russia. Photo Credit (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan early Wednesday, June 8, 2011 carrying Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov of Russia, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa to the International Space Station. They will arrive at the station Thursday to join the Expedition 28 crew. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan early Wednesday, June 8, 2011 carrying Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov of Russia, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan early Wednesday, June 8, 2011 carrying Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov of Russia, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan early Wednesday, June 8, 2011 carrying Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov of Russia, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Launch pad engineers at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan are dwarfed by the large gantry mechanisms at the base of the Soyuz TMA-02M rocket following its rollout to the pad on Sunday, June 5, 2011. The rocket is being prepared for launch June 8 to carry the crew of Expedition 28 to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Russian support personnel arrive to help meet the Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft shortly after the capsule landed with Expedition 29 Commander Mike Fossum, and Flight Engineers Sergei Volkov and Satoshi Furukawa in a remote area outside of the town of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan, on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011. NASA Astronaut Fossum, Russian Cosmonaut Volkov and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Astronaut Furukawa are returning from more than five months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 28 and 29 crews. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Russian support personnel work to help get Expedition 29 crew members out of the Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft shortly after the capsule landed with Expedition 29 Commander Mike Fossum, and Flight Engineers Sergei Volkov and Satoshi Furukawa in a remote area outside of the town of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan, on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011. NASA Astronaut Fossum, Russian Cosmonaut Volkov and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Astronaut Furukawa are returning from more than five months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 28 and 29 crews. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
The Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft is seen shortly after arriving at the launch pad Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft is seen shortly after arriving at the launch pad Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft is seen shortly after arriving at the launch pad Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
JSC2011-E-210018 (November 2011) --- Computer-generated artist?s rendering of the International Space Station as of Nov. 15, 2011. Soyuz 28 (TMA-22) docks to the Poisk Mini-Research Module 2 (MRM2), bringing Expedition 29/30 crew members (Burbank, Shkaplerov and Ivanishin) to the space station. Progress 45 is linked to the Pirs Docking Compartment. Soyuz 27 (TMA-02M) is attached to the Rassvet Mini-Research Module 1 (MRM1). Photo credit: NASA
JSC2011-E-072138 (July 2011) --- Computer-generated artist?s rendering of the port view of the complete configuration of the International Space Station as of July 18, 2011, following the STS-135 mission. Progress 43 is linked to the aft port of the Zvezda Service Module. Soyuz 27 (TMA-02M) is docked to the Rassvet Mini-Research Module 1 (MRM1). Progress 42 is attached to the Pirs Docking Compartment and Soyuz 26 (TMA-21) is docked to the Poisk Mini-Research Module 2 (MRM2). Photo credit: NASA
JSC2011-E-087735 (September 2011) --- Computer-generated artist?s rendering of the International Space Station as of Sept. 15, 2011. Soyuz 26 (TMA-21) undocks from the Poisk Mini-Research Module 2 (MRM2), returning Expedition 28 crew members (Borisenko, Samokutyaev, Garan) to Earth. Soyuz 27 (TMA-02M) is docked to the Rassvet Mini-Research Module 1 (MRM1). Progress 42 is attached to the Pirs Docking Compartment. Photo credit: NASA
JSC2011-E-054427 (June 2011) --- Computer-generated artist?s rendering of the International Space Station as of June 20, 2011. The European Space Agency's Automated Transfer Vehicle-2 (ATV-2) undocks from the aft port of Zvezda Service Module. Soyuz 27 (TMA-02M) is docked to MRM1. Progress 42 is docked to Pirs. Soyuz 26 (TMA-21) is docked to Poisk. Photo credit: NASA
JSC2011-E-072140 (August 2011) --- Computer-generated artist?s rendering of the International Space Station as of Aug. 23, 2011. Progress 43 undocks from the aft port of the Zvezda Service Module. Soyuz 27 (TMA-02M) is docked to the Rassvet Mini-Research Module 1 (MRM1). Progress 42 is attached to the Pirs Docking Compartment and Soyuz 26 (TMA-21) is docked to the Poisk Mini-Research Module 2 (MRM2). Photo credit: NASA
JSC2011-E-210019 (November 2011) --- Computer-generated artist?s rendering of the International Space Station as of Nov. 22, 2011. Soyuz 27 (TMA-02M) undocks from the Rassvet Mini-Research Module 1 (MRM1), returning Expedition 29 crew members (Fossum, Volkov and Furukawa) to Earth. Soyuz 28 (TMA-22) is docked to the Poisk Mini-Research Module 2 (MRM2) and Progress 45 is linked to the Pirs Docking Compartment. Photo credit: NASA
JSC2011-E-054428 (June 2011) --- Computer-generated artist?s rendering of the International Space Station as of June 23, 2011. Progress 43 resupply vehicle docks to the aft port of Zvezda Service Module. Soyuz 27 (TMA-02M) is docked to MRM1. Progress 42 is docked to Pirs. Soyuz 26 (TMA-21) is docked to Poisk. Photo credit: NASA
JSC2011-E-072139 (July 2011) --- Computer-generated artist?s rendering of the starboard view of the complete configuration of the International Space Station as of July 18, 2011, following the STS-135 mission. Progress 43 is linked to the aft port of the Zvezda Service Module. Soyuz 27 (TMA-02M) is docked to the Rassvet Mini-Research Module 1 (MRM1). Progress 42 is attached to the Pirs Docking Compartment and Soyuz 26 (TMA-21) is docked to the Poisk Mini-Research Module 2 (MRM2). Photo credit: NASA
JSC2011-E-204146 (October 2011) --- Computer-generated artist?s rendering of the International Space Station as of Oct. 29, 2011. Progress 42 undocks from the Pirs Docking Compartment. Soyuz 27 (TMA-02M) is attached to the Rassvet Mini-Research Module 1 (MRM1). Photo credit: NASA
JSC2011-E-204147 (November 2011) --- Computer-generated artist?s rendering of the International Space Station as of Nov. 2, 2011. Progress 45 docks to the Pirs Docking Compartment. Soyuz 27 (TMA-02M) is attached to the Rassvet Mini-Research Module 1 (MRM1). Photo credit: NASA
Guests at the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolove, Russia watch on a large screen TV as the Soyuz TMA-02M nears its docking to the International Space Station on Friday, June 10, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
NASA astronaut and Expedition 28 Flight Engineer Mike Fossum waves to friends and family while he waits to have his Russian Sokol suit pressure checked in preparation for his launch onboard the Soyuz TMA-02M on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz spacecraft will carry Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov, JAXA (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa and Fossum to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
William Gerstenmaier, Associate Administrator for Space Operations, is interviewed by Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) TV following a Soyuz post-docking press conference at the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia on Friday, June 10, 2011. The Soyuz TMA-02M docked to the International Space Station carrying Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and JAXA (Japanase Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
NASA astronaut and Expedition 28 Flight Engineer Mike Fossum awaits to have his Russian Sokol suit pressure checked in preparation for his launch onboard the Soyuz TMA-02M on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz spacecraft will carry Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov, JAXA (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa and Fossum to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
NASA astronaut and Expedition 28 Flight Engineer Mike Fossum awaits to have his Russian Sokol suit pressure checked in preparation for his launch onboard the Soyuz TMA-02M on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz spacecraft will carry Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov, JAXA (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa and Fossum to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Vladimir Popovkin, Head of the Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) answers a reporter’s question during a Soyuz post-docking press conference at the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia on Friday, June 10, 2011. The Soyuz TMA-02M docked to the International Space Station carrying Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and JAXA (Japanase Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Top officials from the Russian Federal Space Agency and NASA hold a Soyuz post-docking press conference at the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia on Friday, June 10, 2011. The Soyuz TMA-02M docked to the International Space Station carrying Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and JAXA (Japanase Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
NASA astronaut and Expedition 28 Flight Engineer Mike Fossum awaits to have his Russian Sokol suit pressure checked in preparation for his launch onboard the Soyuz TMA-02M on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz spacecraft will carry Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov, JAXA (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa and Fossum to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
JAXA (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa awaits to have his Russian Sokol suit pressure checked in preparation for his launch onboard the Soyuz TMA-02M on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz spacecraft will carry Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum, and Furukawa to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
JAXA (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa awaits to have his Russian Sokol suit pressure checked in preparation for his launch onboard the Soyuz TMA-02M on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz spacecraft will carry Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum, and Furukawa to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Kuniaki Shiraki, President of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), center, answers a reporter’s question during a Soyuz post-docking press conference at the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia on Friday, June 10, 2011. The Soyuz TMA-02M docked to the International Space Station carrying Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and JAXA (Japanase Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
NASA astronaut and Expedition 28 Flight Engineer Mike Fossum motions to friends and family while he waits to have his Russian Sokol suit pressure checked in preparation for his launch onboard the Soyuz TMA-02M on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz spacecraft will carry Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov, JAXA (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa and Fossum to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Expedition 28 Flight Engineer Mike Fossum of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov (center) and Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency pose for pictures in front of the famed St. Basil’s Cathedral in Red Square in Moscow May 16, 2011 as they conducted traditional activities in advance of their launch June 8 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in the Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft to the International Space Station.
At the Kremlin Wall at Red Square in Moscow, Expedition 28 Flight Engineer Mike Fossum of NASA (left), Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (center) and Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov (right) pose for pictures May 16, 2011 after laying flowers and conducting other traditional activities. The trio will be launched June 8 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on the Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft to the International Space Station.
Expedition 28 Flight Engineer Mike Fossum of NASA lays flowers at the Kremlin Wall in Red Square in Moscow May 16, 2011 and he and his crewmates conducted traditional activities in advance of their launch June 8 in the Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for the International Space Station. Fossum will be launched with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa and Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov.
Expedition 28 NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum has his Russian Sokol suit prepared for launch by a technician at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, June 7, 2011. Fossum and fellow Expedition 28 crew members Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov and JAXA (Japanase Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa launched in their Soyuz TMA-02M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan the following morning on June 8th. Photo Credit: (NASA/Roscosmos/Andrey Shelepin)
Expedition 28 Flight Engineer Mike Fossum of NASA poses for pictures in front of the famed St. Basil’s Cathedral in Red Square in Moscow May 16, 2011 as he and his crewmates conducted traditional activities in advance of their launch June 8 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in the Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft to the International Space Station. Fossum will launch with Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov and Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency to spend almost six months on the complex.
Expedition 28 NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum, left, Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov of Russia, and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa, right, have their Russian Sokol suits prepared for launch by a technicians at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Tueday, June 7, 2011. Fossum, Volkov and Furukawa and launched in their Soyuz TMA-02M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan the following morning on June 8th. Photo Credit: (NASA/Roscosmos/Andrey Shelepin)
At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Expedition 28 Flight Engineer Mike Fossum of NASA (left), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa (center) and Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov clasp hands after a news conference May 16, 2011 as they prepare for their launch June 8 in the Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for the International Space Station.
Expedition 28 JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut and Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa has his Russian Sokol suit prepared for launch by a technician at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, June 7, 2011. Furukawa and fellow Expedition 28 crew members Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov and NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum launched in their Soyuz TMA-02M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan the following morning on June 8th. Photo Credit: (NASA/Roscosmos/Andrey Shelepin)
The flags of the countries representing the crew members of Expedition 28 are seen here at the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia on Friday, June 10, 2011. The Soyuz TMA-02M docked to the International Space Station carrying Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum and JAXA (Japanase Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov, right, and Expedition 28 Flight Engineer and NASA astronaut Mike Fossum sit after having their Russian Sokol suits pressure checked at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Tuesday, June 7, 2011. The crew of Expedition 28 will launch onboard their Soyuz TMA-02M on the morning of June 8 to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov lays flowers at the Kremlin Wall at Red Square in Moscow May 16, 2011 as part of the traditional activities leading to the launch of him and his crewmates, Flight Engineer Mike Fossum of NASA and Satoshi Furukawa of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency to the International Space Station June 8 in their Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Looking on are backup crewmembers Don Pettit of NASA, Oleg Kononenko of Russia and Andre Kuipers of the European Space Agency.
Expedition 28 NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum has his Russian Sokol suit prepared for launch at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, June 7, 2011. Fossum and fellow Expedition 28 crew members Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov and JAXA (Japanase Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa launched in their Soyuz TMA-02M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan the following morning on June 8th. Photo Credit: (NASA/Roscosmos/Andrey Shelepin)
Expedition 28 Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa pays his respects to those interred in the Kremlin Wall in Red Square in Moscow May 16, 2011 as he and his crewmates conducted traditional activities in advance of their launch June 8 in the Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for the International Space Station. Looking on is Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov, who along with Furukawa, will be launched with NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum to spend almost six months on the complex.
Expedition 28 Flight Engineer Mike Fossum of NASA lays flowers at the Kremlin Wall at Red Square in Moscow May 16, 2011 as part of the traditional activities leading to the launch of him and his crewmates, Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov and Satoshi Furukawa of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency to the International Space Station June 8 in their Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Looking on are backup crewmembers Don Pettit of NASA, Oleg Kononenko of Russia and Andre Kuipers of the European Space Agency.
Expedition 28 crew members Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov of Russia, right, and NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum wave after having their Russian Sokol suits pressure checked, Tuesday Jun 7, 2011, in preparation for launch onboard the Soyuz TMA-02M rocket at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Expedition 28 NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum has his Russian Sokol suit prepared for launch by a technician at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, June 7, 2011. Fossum and fellow Expedition 28 crew members Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov and JAXA (Japanase Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa launched in their Soyuz TMA-02M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan the following morning on June 8th. Photo Credit: (NASA/Roscosmos/Andrey Shelepin)
Expedition 28 JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa, left, and Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov have their Russian Sokol suits prepared for launch by a technicians at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Tueday, June 7, 2011. Furukawa, Volkov and Fossum launched in their Soyuz TMA-02M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan the following morning on June 8th. Photo Credit: (NASA/Roscosmos/Andrey Shelepin)
Expedition 28 JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut and Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa has his Russian Sokol suit prepared for launch at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, June 7, 2011. Furukawa and fellow Expedition 28 crew members Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov and NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum launched in their Soyuz TMA-02M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan the following morning on June 8th. Photo Credit: (NASA/Roscosmos/Andrey Shelepin)
JAXA (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut and Expedition 28 Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa, right, waves to friends and family, while Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov looks on at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Tuesday, June 7, 2011. The crew of Expedition 28 will launch onboard their Soyuz TMA-02M on the morning of June 8 to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Expedition 28 NASA Flight Engineer Mike Fossum has his Russian Sokol suit prepared for launch at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, June 7, 2011. Fossum and fellow Expedition 28 crew members Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov and JAXA (Japanase Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa launched in their Soyuz TMA-02M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan the following morning on June 8th. Photo Credit: (NASA/Roscosmos/Andrey Shelepin)
JSC2011-E-045840 (June 2011) --- Computer-generated artist?s rendering of the International Space Station as of June 9, 2011. Soyuz 27 (TMA-02M) docks to the Rassvet Mini-Research Module 1 (MRM1), bringing Expedition 28 crew members (Sergei Volkov, Mike Fossum and Satoshi Furukawa). Progress 42 is docked to the Pirs Docking Compartment. Soyuz 26 (TMA-21) is linked to the Poisk Mini-Research Module 2 (MRM2) and European Space Agency's ?Johannes Kepler? Automated Transfer Vehicle-2 (ATV2) is attached to the Zvezda Service Module?s aft port. Photo credit: NASA
JSC2011-E-061555 (July 2011) --- Computer-generated artist?s rendering of the International Space Station as of July 10, 2011. STS-135 space shuttle Atlantis docks to the space station, bringing supplies on the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module (MPLM). Progress 43 is linked to the aft port of the Zvezda Service Module. Soyuz 27 (TMA-02M) is docked to the Rassvet Mini-Research Module 1 (MRM1). Progress 42 is attached to the Pirs Docking Compartment and Soyuz 26 (TMA-21) is docked to the Poisk Mini-Research Module 2 (MRM2). Photo credit: NASA
The prime and backup crewmembers for Expedition 28 to the International Space Station pose for pictures at the Kremlin Wall in Red Square May 16, 2011 after conducting traditional activities for the launch of the prime crew June 8 on the Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to the complex. From left to right are prime Flight Engineer Mike Fossum of NASA, prime Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov, prime Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, NASA backup Flight Engineer Don Pettit, backup Soyuz Commander Oleg Kononenko and backup Flight Engineer Andre Kuipers of the European Space Agency.
ISS030-E-005002 (21 Nov. 2011) --- The Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft departs from the International Space Station on Nov. 21, 2011. NASA astronaut Mike Fossum, Expedition 29 commander; Russian cosmonaut Sergei Volkov and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, both flight engineers, are returning from more than five months aboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 28 and 29 crews.
NASA astronaut and Expedition 28 Flight Engineer Mike Fossum, third from right sitting, and JAXA (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa, second from right, sit while Expedition 28 Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov has his Russian Sokol suit pressure checked on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Volkov, Fossum and Furukawa are scheduled to launch in the Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft to the International Space Station the following morning on June 8th. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Expedition 28 Flight Engineer Mike Fossum, right, has his Russian Sokol suit checked by Peggy Whitson, Chief of the Astronaut Office at Johonson Space Center, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, June 7, 2011. Fossum and fellow Expedition 28 crew members Soyuz Commander Sergei Volkov and JAXA (Japanase Aerospace Exploration Agency) Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa launched in their Soyuz TMA-02M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan the following morning on June 8th. Photo Credit: (NASA/Roscosmos/Andrey Shelepin)
The Mayor of Arkalyk, right, waits to board a Russian Search and Rescue helicopter for take off in support of the Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft landing with Expedition 29 Commander Mike Fossum, and Flight Engineers Sergei Volkov and Satoshi Furukawa in Arkalyk, Kazakhstan, on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011. NASA Astronaut Fossum, Russian Cosmonaut Volkov and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Astronaut Furukawa are returning from more than five months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 28 and 29 crews. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Expedition 29 Commander Mike Fossum smiles as he rest outside the Soyuz TMA-02M Capsule just minutes after he and Expedition 29 Flight Engineers Sergei Volkov and Satoshi Furukawa landed in a remote area outside of the town of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan, on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011. NASA Astronaut Fossum, Russian Cosmonaut Volkov and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Astronaut Furukawa are returning from more than five months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 28 and 29 crews. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Expedition 29 Commander Mike Fossum, left, Flight Engineers Sergei Volkov, center, and Satoshi Furukawa, sit in chairs outside the Soyuz TMA-02M Capsule just minutes after they landed in a remote area outside the town of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan, on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011. NASA Astronaut Fossum, Russian Cosmonaut Volkov and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Astronaut Furukawa are returning from more than five months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 28 and 29 crews. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Expedition 29 Commander Mike Fossum smiles as he is helped from a Russian Search and Rescue all terrain vehicle (ATV) to his helicopter after he and Expedition 29 Flight Engineers Sergei Volkov and Satoshi Furukawa landed in their Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft in a remote area outside of the town of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan, on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011. NASA Astronaut Fossum, Russian Cosmonaut Volkov and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Astronaut Furukawa are returning from more than five months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 28 and 29 crews. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Expedition 29 Commander Mike Fossum performs the traditional signing of the inside the Russian Search and Rescue helicopter after he and Expedition 29 Flight Engineers Sergei Volkov and Satoshi Furukawa landed in their Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft in a remote area outside of the town of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan, on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011. NASA Astronaut Fossum, Russian Cosmonaut Volkov and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Astronaut Furukawa are returning from more than five months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 28 and 29 crews. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Expedition 29 Flight Engineer, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Astronaut, Satoshi Furukawa smiles as he is helped to a chair outside the Soyuz TMA-02M Capsule just minutes after he and Expedition 29 Commander Mike Fossum and Flight Engineer Sergei Volkov landed in a remote area outside of the town of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan, on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011. NASA Astronaut Fossum, Russian Cosmonaut Volkov and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Astronaut Furukawa are returning from more than five months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 28 and 29 crews. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Russian Search and Rescue forces prepare their helicopters for take off in support of the Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft landing with Expedition 29 Commander Mike Fossum, and Flight Engineers Sergei Volkov and Satoshi Furukawa in Arkalyk, Kazakhstan, on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011. NASA Astronaut Fossum, Russian Cosmonaut Volkov and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Astronaut Furukawa are returning from more than five months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 28 and 29 crews. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Expedition 29 Flight Engineer, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Astronaut, Satoshi Furukawa smiles as he rest in a chair outside the Soyuz TMA-02M Capsule just minutes after he and Expedition 29 Commander Mike Fossum and Flight Engineer Sergei Volkov landed in a remote area outside of the town of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan, on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011. NASA Astronaut Fossum, Russian Cosmonaut Volkov and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Astronaut Furukawa are returning from more than five months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 28 and 29 crews. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Expedition 29 Commander Mike Fossum, center, looks at the various mission stickers onboard a Russian Search and Rescue helicopter after he and Expedition 29 Flight Engineers Sergei Volkov and Satoshi Furukawa landed in their Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft in a remote area outside of the town of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan, on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011. NASA Astronaut Fossum, Russian Cosmonaut Volkov and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Astronaut Furukawa are returning from more than five months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 28 and 29 crews. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Expedition 29 Commander Mike Fossum smiles as he rest outside the Soyuz TMA-02M Capsule just minutes after he and Expedition 29 Flight Engineers Sergei Volkov and Satoshi Furukawa landed in a remote area outside of the town of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan, on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011. NASA Astronaut Fossum, Russian Cosmonaut Volkov and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Astronaut Furukawa are returning from more than five months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 28 and 29 crews. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
The Soyuz TMA-22 spacecraft is seen as it lands with Expedition 30 Commander Dan Burbank, and Flight Engineers Anton Shkaplerov and Anatoly Ivanishin in a remote area outside of the town of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan, on Friday, April 27, 2012. NASA Astronaut Burbank, Russian Cosmonauts Shkaplerov and Ivanishin are returning from more than five months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 29 and 30 crews. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The liquid fuel boosters of the first stage of the Soyuz TMA-02 spacecraft are pictured here during the rollout of the rocket on Sunday, June 5, 2011 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz TMA-22 spacecraft is seen as it lands with Expedition 30 Commander Dan Burbank, and Flight Engineers Anton Shkaplerov and Anatoly Ivanishin in a remote area outside of the town of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan, on Friday, April 27, 2012. NASA Astronaut Burbank, Russian Cosmonauts Shkaplerov and Ivanishin are returning from more than five months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 29 and 30 crews. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz TMA-22 spacecraft is seen as it lands with Expedition 30 Commander Dan Burbank, and Flight Engineers Anton Shkaplerov and Anatoly Ivanishin in a remote area outside of the town of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan, on Friday, April 27, 2012. NASA Astronaut Burbank, Russian Cosmonauts Shkaplerov and Ivanishin are returning from more than five months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 29 and 30 crews. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
The Soyuz TMA-22 spacecraft is seen as it lands with Expedition 30 Commander Dan Burbank, and Flight Engineers Anton Shkaplerov and Anatoly Ivanishin in a remote area outside of the town of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan, on Friday, April 27, 2012. NASA Astronaut Burbank, Russian Cosmonauts Shkaplerov and Ivanishin are returning from more than five months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 29 and 30 crews. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
A view inside inside the Russian Search and Rescue helicopter that will carry Expedition 29 Commander Mike Fossum from the Soyuz TMA-02M landing site in a remote area outside Arkalyk, Kazakhstan to Kustanay, Kazakhstan shortly after he and Expedition 29 Flight Engineers Sergei Volkov and Satoshi Furukawa returned from the International Space Station on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011. NASA Astronaut Fossum, Russian Cosmonaut Volkov and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Astronaut Furukawa returned from more than five months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 28 and 29 crews. The inside of the helicopter has the signatures of previous Astronauts, Cosmonauts and space tourist that have flown onboard. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Expedition 29 Commander Mike Fossum, right, tosses his hat into the air and comments to Peggy Whitson, NASA Chief of the Astronaut Office, about how strange the effects of gravity feel as they land in a helicopter in Kustanay, Kazakhstan just a few hours after he and Expedition 29 Flight Engineers Sergei Volkov and Satoshi Furukawa landed in their Soyuz TMA-02M capsule in a remote area outside of the town of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan, on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011. NASA Astronaut Fossum, Russian Cosmonaut Volkov and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Astronaut Furukawa are returning from more than five months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 28 and 29 crews. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)