The ship Soyuz TMA-16M docked to the ISS … – Polish Press Agency

28.03. Baikonur (PAP) – The ship Soyuz TMA-16M-seater crew of an American and two Russians docked on Saturday, after 6 hours from the start of the Baikonur Cosmodrome, orbiting the Earth to the International Space Station (ISS). For two of its members would be a record-long, almost annual mission.

American Scott Kelly and Russian Mikhail Kornienko have spent 342 days on the ISS, which lasts twice as long as a standard mission. During this time, they will explore the effects of prolonged exposure in space, in conditions of weightlessness on the human body. Their mission is to be part of the preparations for a manned mission to Mars that will last approx. 2-3 years.

This is the first attempt of the American space agency NASA achieve such a long space flight. Earlier, more than a year in orbit spent four Russians on board the now-defunct Mir station. Record length of stay in space (14 months) is now the Valery Poljakows, which established him in 1994-95.

However, the American experiment has an extra aspect. Scott’s twin brother, Mark Kelly, who is a former astronaut, at the same time on earth will be subjected to medical experiments identical to what Scott. Comparison of the results is shown as twins organisms respond to similar stimuli in terms of space and on Earth. Scott and Mark have after 51 years.

Kelly and Kornienko also have to prepare the station for new US manned capsules constructed by private companies. Kelly has repeatedly come out from the station in space.

The third member of the crew, Gennady Padalka will remain on the ISS standard six months, but the total time it stays in space (803 days) will be the new record.

In the weightlessness of human bones weaken muscles , like the human immune system. Fluids tend to accumulate in the head, which puts additional pressure on the brain and eyes. Emotional problems also arise.

Ok. year stay in orbit will enable doctors to determine whether these symptoms worsen or after reaching a peak slowly subside.

On the ISS are now Terry W. Virts American, a Russian and an Italian Anton Szkaplerow Cristoforetti Samantha. (PAP)

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