The National Aeronautics and Space Administration announced that Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov is set to join SpaceX on the Crew-9 mission. The flight, which will carry astronauts to the International Space Station before the close of summer, marks a notable collaboration between agencies from different spacefaring nations. NASA also named the other members of the Expedition 71 and Expedition 72 crews: Commander Zena Cardman, pilot Nick Haig, and mission specialist Stephanie Wilson. This grouping reflects a blend of scientific expertise, flight experience, and international partnership that has become a hallmark of ISS operations.
For Gorbunov, this upcoming mission represents his inaugural journey into space and his first visit to the International Space Station. Born in Zheleznogorsk in the Kursk region, he pursued engineering studies at the Moscow Aviation Institute, concentrating on spacecraft design and upper-stage propulsion. His background underscores a strong technical foundation that aligns with the demanding tasks of orbital operations, life support management, and vehicle integration aboard the station. As part of the ongoing crew rotation, he will undergo rigorous training to prepare for EVA readiness, docking procedures, and collaborative science experiments with his crewmates.
Once aboard the ISS, the crew will conduct a wide range of activities aimed at maintaining station systems and advancing current research. Core tasks include monitoring air quality for potential leaks, evaluating environmental control systems, and supporting ongoing experiments across life sciences, materials science, and Earth observation. The mission protocol emphasizes safety, precision, and international cooperation as crew members coordinate with ground teams to ensure seamless operations during their time in orbit.
Separately, Voyager Space has announced SpaceX’s plan to deliver the StarLab space station to low Earth orbit. StarLab is envisioned as a modular platform that will complement existing infrastructure in space and support a variety of research and commercial activities. The project positions StarLab as a potential successor or successor-like addition to the ISS once its operational life concludes, reflecting the evolving landscape of orbital habitats and collaborative exploration. This development signals a broader strategy to extend humanity’s presence in space beyond the current station paradigm, enabling new experiments, manufacturing capabilities, and international partnerships in LEO.
Industry experts have also commented on the health and safety considerations associated with long-duration spaceflight. Early assessments indicate that environmental factors aboard orbital habitats can have complex effects on astronaut health, necessitating careful medical monitoring, nutrition management, and ergonomic planning. Ongoing discussions emphasize the importance of robust countermeasures, preventative care, and continuous research to ensure crewmembers remain healthy and productive during extended missions to space laboratories like the ISS and future platforms. These insights help guide mission design, mission duration, and the overall approach to crew wellbeing as humanity expands its reach beyond Earth.