A crew of three from the United States and Russia began their long-duration mission on the International Space Station (ISS) after launching Thursday aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft.

The Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft was sent into orbit at 2:27 p.m. local time from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, which Russia operates under lease. On board were NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Russian cosmonauts Sergei Mikaev and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov. The capsule successfully docked with the ISS at 5:34 p.m.

The team will remain on the orbiting laboratory for roughly eight months. According to NASA, both Williams — a physicist — and Mikaev — a military aviator — are making their first journey to space. Kud-Sverchkov is on his second mission.

They join the station’s current occupants: NASA astronauts Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman and Jonny Kim; Japan’s Kimiya Yui; and Russian cosmonauts Sergei Ryzhikov, Alexei Zubritsky and Oleg Platonov.

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NASA said Williams’ main responsibilities will include conducting scientific experiments and technology demonstrations that support future deep-space missions and offer benefits for people on Earth.

Roscosmos reported Thursday evening that the newly arrived crew was “in good health” following the flight. However, engineers inspecting the Baikonur launch pad after liftoff found “damage to several components.”

The agency noted that assessments were underway but added that replacement parts were available and repairs would be completed soon.

Source: AP