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Current International Space Station Cmdr. Alexander Gerst was waiting to welcome two additional crew members into the orbiting laboratory today (October 11) – but he found himself photographing their failed launch.
NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin were launched aboard a Soyuz rocket around 4:47 am EDT (8:47 GMT) from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. But just minutes after takeoff, a failure in the rocket booster triggered a ballistic comeback for the pair of future travelers in space. Investigations into the cause of the failure of the launch of Soyuz will be carried out by NASA and the Russian Space Agency Roscosmos. [In Photos: The Harrowing Soyuz Launch Abort in Pictures]
European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst captured this incredible view of the failed launch of a crew on the International Space Station on October 11, 2018. Credit: A. Gerst / ESA / NASA
The astronauts landed safely and were recovered by a search and rescue team deployed as part of the standard launch procedure.
Although the spectacular launch barely reached the space before the capsule returned to Earth, it was certainly visible from the space. Gerst was able to see the rocket's rise from his desired destination, capturing a majestic white-air trail piercing the Earth.
European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst photographed the space station's perspective on the failed launch of a crew on 11 October 2018.
Credit: A. Gerst / ESA / NASA
"Glad our friends are fine," writes Gerst in a statement accompanying the picture. "Thanks to the rescue forces of more than 1,000 search and rescue professionals!" Today again showed how much Soyuz was a great vehicle: he was able to save the crew of the search and rescue crew. such a failure.Space flight is difficult.And we must continue to try for the benefit of humanity. "
An image of the failed 11 October 2018 launch of the ground near the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Credit: Bill Ingalls / NASA
Gerst and his colleagues at the space station were alerted to the failure of the launch and safe landing of Hague and Ovchinin in a call from the ground mission control directorate. Their schedule was adjusted as they did not need to help new crew members to acclimatize to the station.
The three astronauts currently in orbit must return to Earth and be replaced by a new trio of astronauts in December. However, it is unclear how the schedules will be adjusted to reflect the failure of the launch on Thursday to ensure continuous staffing of the laboratory in orbit.
Email Meghan Bartels at [email protected] or follow her. @meghanbartels. follow us @Spacedotcom and Facebook. Original article on Space.com.
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