# Soyuz MS-08

> Russian crewed flight to the ISS

**Wikidata**: [Q21395453](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21395453)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soyuz_MS-08)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/soyuz-ms-08

## Summary
Soyuz MS-08 was a Russian crewed spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS), launched on March 21, 2018, as part of the Soyuz programme. It transported three astronauts—Oleg Artemyev, Andrew J. Feustel, and Richard R. Arnold—to the ISS for Expedition 55, marking a key mission in human spaceflight operations.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: March 21, 2018, from Baikonur Cosmodrome.
- **Crew**: Oleg Artemyev (commander), Andrew J. Feustel (Flight Engineer 1), and Richard R. Arnold (Flight Engineer 2).
- **Spacecraft**: Soyuz MS-08, part of the Soyuz MS class, with a takeoff mass of 7,220 kg.
- **Mission Duration**: 197 days, landing in Kazakhstan on October 4, 2018.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-FG rocket, manufactured by S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia.
- **Preceded by**: Soyuz MS-07 (2017).
- **Followed by**: Soyuz MS-09.
- **COSPAR ID**: 2018-026A.

## FAQs
### Q: Who were the crew members of Soyuz MS-08?
A: The crew consisted of Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev (commander) and NASA astronauts Andrew J. Feustel and Richard R. Arnold, both serving as flight engineers.

### Q: When did Soyuz MS-08 launch and land?
A: It launched on March 21, 2018, and landed on October 4, 2018, after a 197-day mission.

### Q: What was the purpose of Soyuz MS-08?
A: The mission transported crew members to the ISS for Expedition 55, supporting scientific research and station maintenance.

### Q: What rocket launched Soyuz MS-08?
A: It was launched using a Soyuz-FG rocket, a reliable vehicle used for crewed Soyuz missions.

### Q: Where did Soyuz MS-08 land?
A: The spacecraft landed in Kazakhstan at coordinates approximately 47.322°N, 69.608°E.

## Why It Matters
Soyuz MS-08 played a critical role in maintaining continuous human presence aboard the ISS, facilitating scientific experiments and operational tasks during Expedition 55. As part of the long-running Soyuz programme, it demonstrated Russia’s enduring capability in crewed spaceflight, ensuring safe transport to and from the station. The mission also highlighted international collaboration, with a mixed Russian-American crew working together in space. By supporting ISS operations, Soyuz MS-08 contributed to advancements in microgravity research, technology testing, and preparations for future deep-space exploration.

## Notable For
- **International Crew**: Featured a mixed Russian-American team, emphasizing global cooperation in space.
- **Long-Duration Mission**: Spent 197 days in orbit, a standard duration for ISS expeditions.
- **Reliable Spacecraft**: Part of the Soyuz MS series, known for its safety and efficiency in crewed missions.
- **Scientific Contributions**: Supported Expedition 55’s research, including experiments in biology, physics, and Earth observation.
- **Precise Landing**: Successfully returned to Earth in Kazakhstan, showcasing Soyuz’s controlled re-entry capabilities.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Soyuz MS-08 was a crewed mission under the Soyuz programme, designed to transport astronauts to the ISS. It launched on March 21, 2018, aboard a Soyuz-FG rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan. The spacecraft docked with the ISS, delivering its three-member crew for Expedition 55.

### Crew and Roles
- **Oleg Artemyev** (Roscosmos): Served as the spacecraft commander.
- **Andrew J. Feustel** (NASA): Flight Engineer 1.
- **Richard R. Arnold** (NASA): Flight Engineer 2.

All crew members were part of Expedition 55, conducting experiments and maintenance during their stay.

### Spacecraft Specifications
- **Mass at Takeoff**: 7,220 kg.
- **Class**: Soyuz MS, the latest revision of the Soyuz spacecraft.
- **Manufacturer**: S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia.

### Mission Timeline
- **Launch**: March 21, 2018.
- **Docking with ISS**: Shortly after launch.
- **Landing**: October 4, 2018, in Kazakhstan.
- **Duration**: 197 days in space.

### Technical Details
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-FG, a proven rocket for crewed missions.
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit, consistent with ISS operations.
- **COSPAR ID**: 2018-026A, used for tracking and identification.

### Landing
The spacecraft landed in Kazakhstan at coordinates 47.322°N, 69.608°E. The landing was controlled, ensuring the safe return of the crew and any scientific samples from the ISS.

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## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](http://www.russianspaceweb.com/soyuz-ms-08.html)
3. [Source](http://russianspaceweb.com/soyuz-ms-08.html)
4. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/mission/english/soyuz-ms-08.htm)