Cosmic Kiss mission overview

German ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer has almost completed his first stay aboard the International Space Station ISS

German ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer has almost completed his first stay aboard the International Space Station ISS.

Named Cosmic Kiss, the mission began with the third crewed launch of the SpaceX Crew Dragon on 11 November 2021 when Matthias flew to the ISS alongside @NASA astronauts Kayla Barron, Raja Chari and Tom Marshburn, collectively known as Crew-3.

Matthias has now spent around six months in orbit, working on over 35 European and many more international science experiments and taking part in operational procedures. He has also become the 12th ESA astronaut to conduct a spacewalk, or Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA).

Shortly before the end of his mission, Matthias could also welcome fellow ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti aboard the Space Station, who launched on 28 April as part of Crew-4 and will continue the common journey for Europe in space.

German ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer has almost completed his first stay aboard the International Space Station ISS

#ESA #CosmicKiss #MatthiasMaurer

cosmic kiss - ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer’s first mission to the International Space Station

ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer launched to the International Space Station at 02:03 GMT/03:03 CET, Thursday 11 November 2021 for a mission called Cosmic Kiss.

Cosmic Kiss is the first space mission for Matthias, who flew to the Station on a SpaceX Crew Dragon launched from Florida in the USA. His Crew-3 crew mates are NASA astronauts Raja Chari, Thomas Marshburn and Kayla Barron.

During his time in orbit, Matthias will support over 35 European experiments and even more international experiments on board. The outcomes of these experiments will advance our knowledge in areas ranging from human health to materials science, benefitting life on Earth and the future of space exploration.

Launch: 02:03 GMT/03:03 CET Thursday, 11 November 2021

Launch site: Florida, USA

Spacecraft: SpaceX Crew Dragon Endurance

Expeditions: 66

Crewmates: NASA astronauts Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn and Kayla Barron

Landing: TBC 2022

Source by Agenzia spaziale Europea