Expedition 1 Launches Toward the International Space Station
On October 31, 2000, a Soyuz spacecraft launched from Baikonur carrying William Shepherd, Yuri Gidzenko and Sergei Krikalev toward the International Space Station.
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The First Long-Term Crew Departs
On October 31, 2000, a Soyuz spacecraft launched from Baikonur carrying William Shepherd, Yuri Gidzenko and Sergei Krikalev toward the International Space Station.
An International Crew
The American commander and Russian cosmonauts brought different national programs into a shared operational mission. Their destination was a station still growing through assembly flights.
Launch and Arrival
The crew reached the station on November 2. Continuous human occupation began with their arrival, not at the instant their rocket left the launch pad.
Preparing a Home in Orbit
The mission involved activating systems and establishing daily operations. Long-duration habitation required life support, procedures and cooperation as well as a successful launch.
The Threshold of a New Era
The departure began the journey toward permanent station occupancy. Its significance becomes clearer when October 31 and November 2 are kept as connected but separate milestones.
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