Nighttime view of the launch of the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft as seen by Expedition 39 crewmembers aboard the ISS.

View of the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft as it approaches the ISS for rendezvous and docking. Image was taken during Expedition 39 and released by two astronauts on Twitter.

The Soyuz TMA-12M rocket launches from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 carrying Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The Soyuz TMA-12M rocket launches from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 carrying Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The Soyuz TMA-12M rocket launches from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 carrying Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

ISS041-E-000003 (11 Sept. 2014) --- A close-up view of a computer monitor onboard the International Space Station, photographed by an Expedition 41 crew member, shows the landing of the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft with NASA astronaut Steve Swanson, Expedition 40 commander; Russian cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov, Soyuz commander and flight engineer; and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, flight engineer, onboard.

ISS039-E-005670 (27 March 2014) --- A view from the International Space Station shows the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft shortly before docking of the two orbiting vehicles. Onboard the Soyuz at this time were incoming Expedition 39 crew members -- Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos. Onboard the orbiting complex were Expedition 39 Commander Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA and Flight Engineer Mikhail Tyurin of Roscosmos.

ISS039-E-005666 (27 March 2014) --- A view from the International Space Station shows the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft shortly before docking of the two orbiting vehicles. Onboard the Soyuz at this time were incoming Expedition 39 crew members -- Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos. Onboard the orbiting complex were Expedition 39 Commander Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA and Flight Engineer Mikhail Tyurin of Roscosmos.

ISS039-E-005704 (27 March 2014) --- A view from the International Space Station shows the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft shortly before docking of the two orbiting vehicles. Onboard the Soyuz at this time were incoming Expedition 39 crew members -- Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos. Onboard the orbiting complex were Expedition 39 Commander Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA and Flight Engineer Mikhail Tyurin of Roscosmos.

ISS039-E-005632 (27 March 2014) --- A distant view from the International Space Station shows the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft as a tiny item at frame center shortly before docking of the two orbiting vehicles. Onboard the Soyuz at this time were incoming Expedition 39 crew members -- Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos. Onboard the orbiting complex were Expedition 39 Commander Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA and Flight Engineer Mikhail Tyurin of Roscosmos.

ISS039-E-005700 (27 March 2014) --- A view from the International Space Station shows the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft shortly before docking of the two orbiting vehicles. Onboard the Soyuz at this time were incoming Expedition 39 crew members -- Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos. Onboard the orbiting complex were Expedition 39 Commander Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA and Flight Engineer Mikhail Tyurin of Roscosmos.

This long expsoure photograph shows the flight path of the Soyuz TMA-12M rocket as it launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, March 26, 2014. The rocket is carrying Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Soyuz TMA-12M rocket launches from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 carrying Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The sun rises behind the Soyuz launch pad shortly before the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft is rolled out by train to the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Sunday, March, 23, 2014. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The sun rises behind the Soyuz launch pad shortly before the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft is rolled out by train to the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Sunday, March, 23, 2014. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station.Photo Credit (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft is rolled out to the launch pad by train on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft is rolled out to the launch pad by train on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft is seen after being erected on the launch pad on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The gantry arms close around the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft to secure the rocket at the launch pad on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft is rolled out to the launch pad by train on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft is seen after being erected on the launch pad on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft is raised into position on the launch pad on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft is rolled out to the launch pad by train on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft is rolled out to the launch pad by train on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The gantry arms close around the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft to secure the rocket at the launch pad on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft is rolled out to the launch pad by train on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The gantry arms begin to close around the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft to secure the rocket, as seen in this long exposure photograph, at the launch pad on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Workers prepare the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft to be raised into a vertical position after it was rolled out to the launch pad by train on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The doors to Building 112 are opened to reveal the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft as it is prepared to be rolled out to the launch pad by train on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The gantry arms begin to close around the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft to secure the rocket at the launch pad on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft is rolled out to the launch pad by train on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft is prepared to be rolled out to the launch pad by train on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft is rolled out to the launch pad by train on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft is rolled out to the launch pad by train on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft is rolled out to the launch pad by train on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The doors to Building 112 are opened to reveal the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft as it is prepared to be rolled out to the launch pad by train on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft is rolled out to the launch pad by train on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft is seen after being erected on the launch pad on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft is rolled out to the launch pad by train on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft is seen after being erected on the launch pad on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft is seen before being raised at the launch pad on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft is rolled out to the launch pad by train on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

ISS041-E-000047 (10 Sept. 2014) --- The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft departs from the International Space Station and heads toward a landing in a remote area near the town of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan. NASA astronaut Steve Swanson, Expedition 40 commander; Russian cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov, Soyuz commander and flight engineer; and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, flight engineer, are returning from more than five months aboard the space station where they served as members of the Expedition 39 and 40 crews. Landing occurred at 10:23 p.m. (EDT), Sept. 10, 2014 (8:23 a.m., Sept. 11, Kazakh time).

ISS041-E-000027 (10 Sept. 2014) --- The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft departs from the International Space Station and heads toward a landing in a remote area near the town of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan. NASA astronaut Steve Swanson, Expedition 40 commander; Russian cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov, Soyuz commander and flight engineer; and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, flight engineer, are returning from more than five months aboard the space station where they served as members of the Expedition 39 and 40 crews. Landing occurred at 10:23 p.m. (EDT), Sept. 10, 2014 (8:23 a.m., Sept. 11, Kazakh time).

ISS041-E-000044 (10 Sept. 2014) --- The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft departs from the International Space Station and heads toward a landing in a remote area near the town of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan. NASA astronaut Steve Swanson, Expedition 40 commander; Russian cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov, Soyuz commander and flight engineer; and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, flight engineer, are returning from more than five months aboard the space station where they served as members of the Expedition 39 and 40 crews. Landing occurred at 10:23 p.m. (EDT), Sept. 10, 2014 (8:23 a.m., Sept. 11, Kazakh time).

ISS041-E-000005 (10 Sept. 2014) --- The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft departs from the International Space Station and heads toward a landing in a remote area near the town of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan. NASA astronaut Steve Swanson, Expedition 40 commander; Russian cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov, Soyuz commander and flight engineer; and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, flight engineer, are returning from more than five months aboard the space station where they served as members of the Expedition 39 and 40 crews. Landing occurred at 10:23 p.m. (EDT), Sept. 10, 2014 (8:23 a.m., Sept. 11, Kazakh time).

ISS041-E-000012 (10 Sept. 2014) --- The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft departs from the International Space Station and heads toward a landing in a remote area near the town of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan. NASA astronaut Steve Swanson, Expedition 40 commander; Russian cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov, Soyuz commander and flight engineer; and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, flight engineer, are returning from more than five months aboard the space station where they served as members of the Expedition 39 and 40 crews. Landing occurred at 10:23 p.m. (EDT), Sept. 10, 2014 (8:23 a.m., Sept. 11, Kazakh time).

ISS041-E-000017 (10 Sept. 2014) --- The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft departs from the International Space Station and heads toward a landing in a remote area near the town of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan. NASA astronaut Steve Swanson, Expedition 40 commander; Russian cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov, Soyuz commander and flight engineer; and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, flight engineer, are returning from more than five months aboard the space station where they served as members of the Expedition 39 and 40 crews. Landing occurred at 10:23 p.m. (EDT), Sept. 10, 2014 (8:23 a.m., Sept. 11, Kazakh time).

ISS041-E-000021 (10 Sept. 2014) --- The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft departs from the International Space Station and heads toward a landing in a remote area near the town of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan. NASA astronaut Steve Swanson, Expedition 40 commander; Russian cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov, Soyuz commander and flight engineer; and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, flight engineer, are returning from more than five months aboard the space station where they served as members of the Expedition 39 and 40 crews. Landing occurred at 10:23 p.m. (EDT), Sept. 10, 2014 (8:23 a.m., Sept. 11, Kazakh time).

The Soyuz rocket and Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft are assembled at Building 112 on the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Saturday, March 22, 2014 in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six month mission to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Victor Zelentsov)

The Soyuz rocket and Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft are assembled at Building 112 on the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Saturday, March 22, 2014 in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six month mission to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Victor Zelentsov)

The Soyuz rocket and Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft are assembled at Building 112 on the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Saturday, March 22, 2014 in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six month mission to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Victor Zelentsov)

The Soyuz rocket and Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft are assembled at Building 112 on the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Saturday, March 22, 2014 in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six month mission to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Victor Zelentsov)

The Soyuz rocket and Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft are assembled at Building 112 on the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Saturday, March 22, 2014 in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six month mission to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Victor Zelentsov)

The Soyuz rocket and Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft are assembled at Building 112 on the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Saturday, March 22, 2014 in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six month mission to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Victor Zelentsov)

The Soyuz rocket and Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft are assembled at Building 112 on the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Saturday, March 22, 2014 in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six month mission to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Victor Zelentsov)

The Soyuz rocket and Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft are assembled at Building 112 on the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Saturday, March 22, 2014 in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six month mission to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Victor Zelentsov)

The Soyuz rocket and Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft are assembled at Building 112 on the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Saturday, March 22, 2014 in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz is scheduled for March 26 and will send Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steven Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos on a six month mission to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Victor Zelentsov)

Expedition 39 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA, left, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, center, and, Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos, right, are seen as they depart the Cosmonaut Hotel, Tuesday, March 25, 2014, in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. The trio launched on a six month mission to the International Space Station onboard the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft at 3:17 a.m. Kazakhstan time on Wednesday, March 26. Photo Credit: (NASA/Victor Zelentsov)

A view of the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia on Friday, March 28, 2014 prior to the docking of Soyuz TMA-12M. The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft docked to the International Space Station at 7:53 p.m. EDT bringing Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos to the ISS for their six month stay aboard the orbiting labratory. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

A view of the International Space Station is seen from the Soyuz TMA-12M on the screen of the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia as the spacecraft docks to the Poisk module, Friday, March 28, 2014. The Soyuz TMA-12M with Expedition 39/40 crew members, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan two days earlier. The Soyuz crew members will be greeted by Expedition 39 Commander Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, Flight Engineer Mikhail Tyurin of Roscosmos, and Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA, who have lived in the orbital laboratory since November of 2013. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

A view of the International Space Station is seen from the Soyuz TMA-12M on the screen of the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia as the spacecraft docks to the Poisk module, Friday, March 28, 2014. The Soyuz TMA-12M with Expedition 39/40 crew members, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan two days earlier. The Soyuz crew members will be greeted by Expedition 39 Commander Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, Flight Engineer Mikhail Tyurin of Roscosmos, and Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA, who have lived in the orbital laboratory since November of 2013. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

ISS039-E-005434 (25 March 2014) --- One of the three Expedition 39 crew members currently onboard the International Space Station photographed this image of the departure from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 21:18:03 GMT, March 25 (March 26, Kazakh time) of two Russian cosmonauts and a NASA astronaut in the Soyuz TMA12M. Inside the space station were Expediton 39 Commander Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Cosmonaut Mikhail Tyurin and NASA astronaut Rick Mastracchio, both flight engineers. Inside the Soyuz on route to meet the present inhabitants was another Expedition 39 trio -- Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Rosmosmos and Flight Engineers Steve Swanson of NASA and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos.

ISS039-E-005427 (25 March 2014) --- One of the Expedition 39 crew members aboard the International Space Station photographed this image while the outpost was over northeastern Kazakhstan. The crew member aimed the camera due north or toward Russia, capturing the Aurora Borealis, which appears above the blue atmosphere.

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos smiles before entering a Soyuz spacecraft simulator during qualification exams March 5. Skvortsov, NASA Flight Engineer Steve Swanson and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Star City, Russia March 26, Kazakh time, on the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll

Expedition 39 Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, performs the traditional door signing at the Cosmonaut hotel prior to departing the hotel for launch in a Soyuz rocket with fellow crew mates, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos, and Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA, Tuesday, March 25, 2014, in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Artemyev, Skvortsov, and Swanson will launch in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft to the International Space Station to begin a six-month mission. Photo Credit (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, has his Russian Sokol suit pressure checked in preparation for his launch onboard the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz spacecraft with Skvortsov, Expedition 39 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos is scheduled to launch at 3:17 a.m. Kazakhstan Time on Wednesday, March 26. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 39 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA, center, speaks with his family during Russian Sokol suit pressure checks in preparation for launch onboard the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz spacecraft with Swanson, Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos is scheduled to launch at 3:17 a.m. Kazakhstan time on Wednesday, March 26. (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Expedition 39 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA, performs the traditional door signing at the Cosmonaut hotel prior to departing the hotel for launch in a Soyuz rocket with fellow crew mates, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos, Tuesday, March 25, 2014, in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Swanson, Skvortsov and, and Artemyev will launch in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft to the International Space Station to begin a six-month mission. Photo Credit (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Expedition 39 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA speaks with his family during Russian Sokol suit pressure checks in preparation for launch onboard the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz spacecraft with Swanson, Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos is scheduled to launch at 3:17 a.m. Kazakhstan time on Wednesday, March 26. (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 39 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA has his Russian Sokol suit pressure checked in preparation for his launch onboard the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz spacecraft with Swanson, Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos is scheduled to launch at 3:17 a.m. Kazakhstan time on Wednesday, March 26. (NASA/GCTC/Irina Peshkova)

Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, has his Russian Sokol suit pressure checked in preparation for his launch onboard the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz spacecraft with Skvortsov, Expedition 39 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos is scheduled to launch at 3:17 a.m. Kazakhstan Time on Wednesday, March 26. Photo Credit: (NASA/GCTC/Irina Peshkova)

Expedition 39 Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, speaks with his family during Russian Sokol suit pressure checks in preparation for launch onboard the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz spacecraft with Artemyev, Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos and Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA is scheduled to launch at 3:17 a.m. Kazakhstan time on Wednesday, March 26. (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos smiles before entering a Soyuz spacecraft simulator during qualification exams March 5. Skvortsov, NASA Flight Engineer Steve Swanson and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Star City, Russia March 26, Kazakh time, on the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll

Expedition 39 Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, has his Russian Sokol suit pressure checked in preparation for his launch onboard the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz spacecraft with Artemyev, Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos and Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA is scheduled to launch at 3:17 a.m. Kazakhstan time on Wednesday, March 26. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, speaks with his family during Russian Sokol suit pressure checks in preparation for launch onboard the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz spacecraft with Skvortsov, Expedition 39 Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos and Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA is scheduled to launch at 3:17 a.m. Kazakhstan time on Wednesday, March 26. (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, performs the traditional door signing at the Cosmonaut hotel prior to departing the hotel for launch in a Soyuz rocket with fellow crew mates, Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos, Tuesday, March 25, 2014, in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Skvortsov, Swanson, and Artemyev will launch in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft to the International Space Station to begin a six-month mission. Photo Credit (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Expedition 39 Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev, left, of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, performs the traditional door signing at the Cosmonaut hotel as Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos, looks on, Tuesday, March 25, 2014, in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Artemyev, Skvortsov, and fellow crew member Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA will launch in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft to the International Space Station to begin a six-month mission. Photo Credit (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, a flight instructor monitors the progress of qualification exams for the Expedition 39/40 crewmembers March 5 as the crew heads into the homestretch of its training. Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Star City, Russia March 26, Kazakh time, on the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll

Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, bottom, Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA, middle, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos, wave farewell prior to boarding the Soyuz TMA-12M rocket for launch, Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Skvortsov, Swanson, and Artemyev will spend the next six months aboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 backup crewmember Elena Serova of Roscosmos signs in for the first of two days of qualification exams March 4 as her crewmate, Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev looks on. The prime crew – Steve Swanson of NASA and Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are preparing to launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on March 26, Kazakh time, on their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, flight instructors monitor the progress of qualification exams for the Expedition 39/40 crewmembers March 5 as the crew heads into the homestretch of its training. Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Star City, Russia March 26, Kazakh time, on the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (center) and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (right) field questions from reporters March 5 prior to qualification exams. They are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Star City, Russia March 26, Kazakh time, on the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll

Expedition 39 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA, left, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, center, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos, right, are seen as they depart the Cosmonaut Hotel, Tuesday, March 25, 2014, in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. The trio is set to launch on a six month mission to the International Space Station onboard the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft at 3:17 a.m. Kazakhstan time on Wednesday, March 26. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Expedition 39 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA, left, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, center, and, Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos, right, are seen as they depart the Cosmonaut Hotel, Tuesday, March 25, 2014, in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. The trio is set to launch on a six month mission to the International Space Station onboard the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft at 3:17 a.m. Kazakhstan time on Wednesday, March 26. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

ISS040-E-123151 (2 Sept. 2014) --- Russian cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov (center), Expedition 40 flight engineer and Soyuz commander; along with NASA astronaut Steve Swanson (left), Expedition 40 commander; and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, flight engineer, attired in Russian Sokol launch and entry suits, conduct a standard suit leak check in the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft in preparation for their return to Earth scheduled for Sept. 10, 2014.

At the Kremlin Wall in Moscow, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos lays flowers in a tribute to Russian space icons who are interred there as part of ceremonial activities. Artmeyev, NASA Flight Engineer Steve Swanson and Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan March 26, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll

19-11-04-07: Assisted by an interpreter, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA reviews rendezvous procedures with a training instructor at his Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan March 19. Swanson, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station March 26, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

At the Kremlin Wall in Moscow, Expedition 39/40 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos lays flowers in a tribute to Russian space icons who are interred there as part of ceremonial activities. Skvortsov, NASA Flight Engineer Steve Swanson, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artmeyev of Roscosmos are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan March 26, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll

10-37-11-3: In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA boards his Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft March 21 as he and his crewmates wrapped of training for their upcoming launch to the International Space Station. Swanson, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos are scheduled to launch March 26, Kazakh time, for a six-month mission on the orbital laboratory. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

A Russian Orthodox priest stands ready to preform the traditional blessing of the crew at the Cosmonaut Hotel prior to the launch of Soyuz TMA-12M to the International Space Station, Tuesday, March 25, 2014, in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA, and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos will spend six months living and working aboard the ISS. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos studies a flight plan March 5 as he and his crewmates, NASA Flight Engineer Steve Swanson and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos conducted final qualification exams. They are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Star City, Russia March 26, Kazakh time, on the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (center) signs in for the start of qualification exams March 4 as his crewmates, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (left) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (right) look on. The trio is preparing for launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on March 26, Kazakh time in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov (left), Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (center) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos listen to instructions from Russian space officials at the start of qualification exams March 4. The trio is preparing for launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on March 26, Kazakh time in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll

ISS040-E-123148 (2 Sept. 2014) --- Russian cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov (center), Expedition 40 flight engineer and Soyuz commander; along with NASA astronaut Steve Swanson (left), Expedition 40 commander; and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, flight engineer, attired in Russian Sokol launch and entry suits, conduct a standard suit leak check in the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft in preparation for their return to Earth scheduled for Sept. 10, 2014.

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov (center) and NASA Flight Engineer Steve Swanson (right) wave to reporters March 4 at the start of two days of qualification exams. The trio is preparing for launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on March 26, Kazakh time in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll

At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left) signs in for qualification exams March 5 as his crewmates, Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (center) and Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (right) look on. They are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Star City, Russia March 26, Kazakh time, on the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll

At the Kremlin Wall in Moscow, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA lays flowers in a tribute to Russian space icons who are interred there as part of ceremonial activities. Swanson, Flight Engineer Oleg Artmeyev of Roscosmos and Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos are preparing for their launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan March 26, Kazakh time, in their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft for a six-month mission. NASA/Stephanie Stoll

10-33-15: In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 39/40 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA (left), Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos; center) and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos (right) pose for pictures in front of their Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft March 21. Swanson, Skvortsov and Artemyev are wrapping up training for their launch to the International Space Station March 26, Kazakh time, for a six-month mission on the orbital laboratory. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

Expedition 39 Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA, left, and Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, right, speak with family members while Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos, has his Russian Sokol suit pressure checked in preparation for his launch onboard the Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz spacecraft with Artemyev, Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos and Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA is scheduled to launch at 3:17 a.m. Kazakhstan time on Wednesday, March 26.