Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft successfully launched to the International Space Station (ISS) for its first crewed test flight in April, according to NASA. The spacecraft departed from the Cape Canaveral spaceport in Florida with NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore and Suni Williams on board, utilizing an Atlas V rocket.

This test flight was delayed multiple times due to various technical issues with both the spacecraft and the rocket. The Starliner, which is designed to carry up to four crew members and consists of a crew capsule and service module, is expected to arrive at the ISS on Thursday. Wilmore and Williams will spend about a week at the station. Both astronauts have previous spaceflight experience.

In preparation for the Starliner’s arrival, the Crew Dragon space capsule currently docked at the ISS was relocated to another docking station. This marks an important milestone for the Starliner, as it previously completed a successful unmanned flight to the ISS in May 2022.

The Starliner is intended to transport astronauts to the ISS as an alternative to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule. However, the project has faced numerous setbacks, causing it to lag behind schedule. In contrast, the Crew Dragon has been regularly ferrying astronauts to the ISS for several years.

Despite these challenges, the Starliner’s successful test flight represents a step forward in NASA’s efforts to expand crewed spaceflight capabilities. The agency continues to work with Boeing to address any issues and ensure the spacecraft’s readiness for future missions to the ISS.

Russian cosmonaut, Oleg Kononenko, has made history by becoming the first person to spend a cumulative 1,000 days in space, according to Russia’s space agency Roscosmos. Kononenko, 59, achieved this milestone during his current mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Kononenko’s current mission, which began on September 15, 2023, is scheduled to end on September 23, 2024, bringing his total number of days spent in orbit to 1,110. He has accumulated these days over several missions, with his first being Expedition 17 to the ISS in April 2008. In total, Kononenko has participated in five separate missions to the ISS.

This is not the only record set by Kononenko, as in February 2024, he surpassed the previous record of 878 days held by his colleague Gennady Padalka for the longest amount of time spent in space. Kononenko expressed his passion for space travel, stating that he does it because he loves it, not to set records.

Unlike Roscosmos cosmonauts, NASA astronauts typically spend no more than six months aboard the ISS before being rotated out for a new crew. However, there have been exceptions, such as Frank Rubio, who spent 371 days in space before returning to Earth last September after his original six-month mission was extended.

Experts have highlighted the significant physical and psychological changes that astronauts experience during prolonged space missions. They are closely monitored upon their return to Earth to assess these changes.

Kononenko’s achievement marks a significant milestone in space exploration history, showcasing the dedication and passion of astronauts like him.

A Russian cosmonaut, Oleg Kononenko, has made history by spending a total of 1,000 days in space. This extraordinary achievement was confirmed by Roscosmos officials, who praised Kononenko for becoming the first human in the world to reach this milestone.

Kononenko’s impressive feat was accomplished through five missions, three of which he led as the commander of the International Space Station. Former NASA medical officer Emmanuel Urquieta remarked on Kononenko’s achievement, noting the dedication and perseverance required to spend such an extended period in space.

Currently stationed at the International Space Station, Kononenko embarked on his latest mission in September alongside cosmonaut Nikolai Chub and NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara. Earlier this year, he surpassed the previous record for cumulative time in space by reaching 878 days in February.

The previous record holder for the most days spent in space was cosmonaut Gennady Padalka. Kononenko is set to return to Earth in September, along with Chub and NASA astronaut Tracy Dyson.

Kononenko’s historic accomplishment highlights the incredible dedication and resilience of astronauts who push the boundaries of human exploration in space.