# Soyuz MS-03

> Russian crewed flight to the ISS

**Wikidata**: [Q18341436](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18341436)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soyuz_MS-03)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/soyuz-ms-03

## Summary
Soyuz MS-03 was a Russian crewed spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS), launched on November 17, 2016, as part of the Soyuz programme. It transported three astronauts—Oleg Novitskiy, Thomas Pesquet, and Peggy Whitson—to the ISS for Expedition 50, marking a key mission in human spaceflight.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: November 17, 2016, from Baikonur Cosmodrome (Gagarin's Start).
- **Crew**: Oleg Novitskiy (commander), Thomas Pesquet (Flight Engineer 1), and Peggy Whitson (Flight Engineer 2).
- **Spacecraft**: Soyuz MS-class, manufactured by S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-FG rocket.
- **Docking**: Docked at the ISS's Rassvet module on November 19, 2016.
- **Landing Date**: June 2, 2017, in Kazakhstan (coordinates: 47.45303333333333, 69.61625).
- **Orbits Completed**: 3,136 orbits around Earth.
- **Operator**: Roscosmos State Corporation.
- **Preceded by**: Soyuz MS-02; **Followed by**: Soyuz MS-04.

## FAQs
### Q: Who were the crew members of Soyuz MS-03?
A: The crew consisted of Oleg Novitskiy (commander), Thomas Pesquet (Flight Engineer 1), and Peggy Whitson (Flight Engineer 2).

### Q: When did Soyuz MS-03 launch and land?
A: It launched on November 17, 2016, and landed on June 2, 2017.

### Q: What was the purpose of Soyuz MS-03?
A: It was a crewed mission to transport astronauts to the ISS for Expedition 50.

### Q: How many orbits did Soyuz MS-03 complete?
A: It completed 3,136 orbits around Earth during its mission.

### Q: Where did Soyuz MS-03 dock at the ISS?
A: It docked at the Rassvet module of the ISS.

## Why It Matters
Soyuz MS-03 played a critical role in maintaining continuous human presence on the ISS, enabling scientific research and international collaboration in space. As part of the Soyuz programme, it demonstrated Russia's ongoing capability in crewed spaceflight, ensuring reliable transportation to and from the ISS. The mission also highlighted the importance of international partnerships, with crew members from Russia, France (ESA), and the United States (NASA). By facilitating long-duration stays on the ISS, Soyuz MS-03 contributed to advancements in space medicine, technology, and our understanding of life in microgravity.

## Notable For
- **International Crew**: Featured astronauts from three space agencies (Roscosmos, ESA, NASA).
- **Long-Duration Mission**: Supported Expedition 50, a six-month stay on the ISS.
- **High Orbit Count**: Completed 3,136 orbits, showcasing the spacecraft's endurance.
- **Precise Landing**: Landed in Kazakhstan with coordinates recorded for accuracy.
- **Part of Soyuz MS Series**: Represented the latest revision of the Soyuz spacecraft at the time.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Soyuz MS-03 was a crewed mission under the Soyuz programme, operated by Roscosmos. It launched on November 17, 2016, from Baikonur Cosmodrome's Gagarin's Start, using a Soyuz-FG launch vehicle. The spacecraft docked with the ISS's Rassvet module two days later, on November 19, 2016.

### Crew and Roles
- **Oleg Novitskiy** (Roscosmos): Spacecraft commander and part of Expedition 50.
- **Thomas Pesquet** (ESA): Flight Engineer 1, representing the European Space Agency.
- **Peggy Whitson** (NASA): Flight Engineer 2, participating in the mission's takeoff phase.

### Mission Duration and Orbits
The mission lasted approximately 196 days, from launch to landing. During this time, Soyuz MS-03 completed 3,136 orbits around Earth, contributing to extensive scientific research and operational activities on the ISS.

### Landing and Conclusion
Soyuz MS-03 undocked from the ISS on June 2, 2017, and landed the same day in Kazakhstan at coordinates 47.45303333333333, 69.61625. The mission concluded successfully, returning the crew safely to Earth.

### Technical Specifications
- **Spacecraft**: Soyuz MS, the latest revision of the Soyuz series.
- **Manufacturer**: S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia.
- **COSPAR ID**: 2016-070A.
- **Docking Port**: Rassvet module of the ISS.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Soyuz MS-03",
  "description": "Russian crewed flight to the International Space Station (ISS) launched on November 17, 2016.",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q27954034",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soyuz_MS-03"
  ],
  "additionalType": "HumanSpaceflight"
}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](http://russianspaceweb.com/soyuz-ms-03.html)
3. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/mission/english/soyuz-ms-03.htm)
4. [Source](http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-060217a-soyuz-ms03-landing.html)
5. BabelNet