Russian cosmonaut takes command of ISS

Russian cosmonaut Peter Dubrov took command of the International Space Station (ISS), replacing astronaut Jessica Meir, follows from the NASA broadcast.

“For me today it is of special importance, because 69 years ago on this day the first Sputnik was launched,” Dubrov said.

He called the ISS the greatest symbol of what people can achieve by working together and the greatest symbol of international cooperation.

Before the transfer of command, Meir called Dubrova an experienced astronaut, to whom the crew had already turned for advice and help. She expressed confidence that he would cope well with the duties of the commander.

“It is a great honor and a great responsibility for me to be the commander of such a magnificent place as the International Space Station,” Dubrov said after handing him the symbolic key to the ISS.

He noted that the command of the station will be a new experience for him, and expressed hope that he will cope with this task.

On July 14, the Soyuz MS-29 manned spacecraft with Peter Dubrova, Anna Kikina and NASA astronaut Anil Menon docked to the ISS. Participants of the ISS-75 expedition will spend 261 days at the station, perform 38 scientific experiments and two spacewalks.