Soyuz MS-28 rocket rolled out to Baikonur launch complex

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome, pre-launch operations are being completed to prepare the rocket that will deliver the Soyuz MS-28 manned spacecraft to the International Space Station. This launch has already made history thanks to the unique design of the hull: the ship is decorated with drawings by children fighting cancer - this solution is used in manned cosmonautics for the first time.

The international project brought together young authors from 14 countries and 50 cities in Russia. Each drawing is a dream, a hope and a personal story that will now go into space with the ship.

The launch of Soyuz MS-28 is scheduled for November 27. Crew: Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergei Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev, as well as astronaut Christopher Williams. In orbit, they will have to spend about eight months carrying out a program of scientific experiments and maintenance of the ISS on-board systems.

The initiative with children's drawings is designed to support the children and their families, give them a sense of belonging to a great cause and draw public attention to the problems of childhood cancer and rehabilitation. The organizers note that the symbolic journey of a "dream into space" should inspire young authors and their peers to choose scientific and engineering professions, as well as strengthen interest in joint humanitarian and space projects.

Read more materials:

• Soyuz MS-28 rocket prepared for launch at Baikonur
• Crews of the 74th ISS expedition are ready for the flight of the Soyuz MS-28 rocket
• Closer to launch: testing of the Russian Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft for tightness has begun