Russian Space Agency Has Cleared Soyuz TMA-20 For Flight

Anatoly Perminov, chief of the Russian space agency Roscosmos said Wednesday that the Soyuz TMA-20 spacecraft which suffered some damage during transport during shipment to the launch site in Kazakstan has been cleared for flight. Launch is set for December 15th.

Soyuz TMA-01M Lifted Into Launch Position

Fox News reports that Perminov said in a news conference that the spacecraft had been checked by the manufacturer, and no damage to its systems had been found. He said, however, that some components had been replaced, and that it was transported back to the Baikonur cosmodrome.

Perminov attended a traditional tea party with the primary and backup crews for ISS Expedition 27. The ceremony also was attended by Vitaly Davyidov, Roscosmos State Secretary and Deputy Head, Alexey Krasnov, Head of Roscosmos Human Spaceflight Directorate, GCTC management, NASA, ESA, JAXA representatives, and members of the news media.

ISS NASA Image

Perminov said that the Expedition 27 crew will have an ambitious mission, receiving Russian, European,and Japanese cargo vehicles. The are also scheduled to perform 5 EVAs. Space Shuttle Discovery is also expected to visit the station while the crew is on board.

Soyuz TMA-01M In Transport

Soyuz TMA-20 crew commander Dmitry Kondratiev confirmed flight readiness of his team. "We are ready to accomplish all the mission objectives,” he said.

At the end of the ceremony, the crew received traditional gifts, including Fortis watches. The prime crew presented their official photo to Perminov, which he will keep in his office during the mission. The crews are scheduled to leave for Baikonur to start prelaunch training Dec. 3

FMI: www.federalspace.ru/?lang=en, www.nasa.gov