# Soyuz TMA-12

> space station

**Wikidata**: [Q493983](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q493983)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soyuz_TMA-12)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/soyuz-tma-12

## Summary
Soyuz TMA-12 was a crewed Russian spaceflight mission to the International Space Station (ISS) launched on April 8, 2008. Operated by the Roscosmos State Corporation, the mission utilized a Soyuz-TMA class spacecraft and a Soyuz-FG launch vehicle to transport members of Expedition 17 and spaceflight participants to low Earth orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** April 8, 2008
- **Landing Date:** October 24, 2008
- **Operator:** Roscosmos State Corporation
- **Spacecraft Class:** Soyuz-TMA (vessel: Soyuz-TMA)
- **Launch Vehicle:** Soyuz-FG
- **Launch Site:** Baikonur Cosmodrome (Gagarin's Start)
- **Crew Members:** Sergey Volkov (Commander), Oleg Kononenko (Flight Engineer), Yi So-Yeon (Takeoff participant), and Richard Garriott (Landing participant)
- **Orbital Period:** 88.5 minutes
- **Orbital Inclination:** 51.64 degrees
- **Docking Port:** Pirs

## FAQs
### Q: Who was part of the Soyuz TMA-12 crew?
A: The mission was commanded by Sergey Volkov with Oleg Kononenko serving as Flight Engineer 1, both representing Expedition 17. The flight also included spaceflight participants Yi So-Yeon (for takeoff) and Richard Garriott (for landing).

### Q: What were the launch and landing details for Soyuz TMA-12?
A: The mission launched on April 8, 2008, from Gagarin's Start at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It concluded with a landing in Kazakhstan on October 24, 2008.

### Q: What type of spacecraft and rocket were used for this mission?
A: Soyuz TMA-12 utilized a Soyuz-TMA class spacecraft, which is a revision of the standard Soyuz vehicle. It was launched into orbit using a Soyuz-FG launch vehicle.

## Why It Matters
Soyuz TMA-12 was a vital component of the Soyuz programme, ensuring the continuous operation and staffing of the International Space Station. By transporting the crew of Expedition 17, it facilitated essential maintenance and scientific activities in low Earth orbit. The mission is also notable for its inclusion of private spaceflight participants, such as British-American video game developer Richard Garriott, highlighting the intersection of professional space exploration and private entrepreneurship. Furthermore, it maintained the sequence of the Soyuz-TMA series, successfully following the Soyuz TMA-11 mission—which had experienced a difficult reentry—and preceding the Soyuz TMA-13 mission.

## Notable For
- **Expedition 17 Support:** Served as the primary transport and return vehicle for ISS Expedition 17 crew members Sergey Volkov and Oleg Kononenko.
- **Spaceflight Participants:** Carried Yi So-Yeon during the launch phase and Richard Garriott during the landing phase.
- **Technical Specifications:** Maintained a precise orbital inclination of 51.64 degrees and an orbital period of 88.5 minutes.
- **Historical Launch Site:** Departed from Gagarin's Start at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the same location used for the first human spaceflight.

## Body
### Mission Profile
Soyuz TMA-12 was a human spaceflight mission designated with the COSPAR ID 2008-015A and Satellite Catalog Number 32756. It was part of the long-running Soyuz programme operated by Roscosmos. The mission served as a bridge between Soyuz TMA-11 and Soyuz TMA-13.

### Technical Details
The mission employed the **Soyuz-TMA** spacecraft class, a specific revision of the Soyuz vehicle designed for improved performance and crew safety. It was launched via a **Soyuz-FG** launch vehicle. While in orbit, the spacecraft maintained an orbital period of 88.5 minutes and an inclination of 51.64 degrees. Upon reaching the International Space Station, it docked at the **Pirs** port.

### Crew and Participants
The mission's crew composition changed between the launch and return phases:
*   **Sergey Volkov:** Served as the Spacecraft Commander for Expedition 17.
*   **Oleg Kononenko:** Served as Flight Engineer 1 for Expedition 17.
*   **Yi So-Yeon:** Participated in the mission as a spaceflight participant specifically for the takeoff phase.
*   **Richard Garriott:** A British-American video game developer and entrepreneur who joined the mission as a spaceflight participant for the landing phase.

### Timeline
*   **Launch:** April 8, 2008, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
*   **Significant Event:** Rocket launch occurred at Gagarin's Start.
*   **Landing:** October 24, 2008, at coordinates 51.077777777778, 67.1625 in Kazakhstan.

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## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/mission/english/soyuz-tma-12.htm)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013