MZ Mission to the ISS Progress
Rocket Assembly
Close to the launch pad, there is a large building where the different parts of the Soyuz launch vehicle are put together, with each having been transported from it’s respective factory. The different engines (or stages) are assembled, the faring (that covers the spacecraft during launch) is prepared, the launch escape system is added.
At the same time the crew makes final inspection of the spacecraft, and their belongings are packed inside, before the spacecraft is mated to the rocket.
【7 days until Launch🚀】
— Yusaku Maezawa (MZ) (@yousuckMZ) December 1, 2021
Just finished putting on the nose fairing (the part that protects the rocket from aerodynamics and high temperature) onto the rocket. This will be the very top part of the rocket. You can see the MZ logo very clearly.#MZJourneytoSpace pic.twitter.com/y3iItNZeeL
Quarantine and Pre-flight Ceremonies
Two weeks before launch the crew fly from Moscow to Baikonur where they enter quarantine along with various members of support staff. The purpose of quarantine is to ensure they remain fit and healthy for launch day and do not take any infections or sickness to the International Space Station.
While in quarantine final pre-flight preparations are made, along with a number of traditional ceremonies – many of which date back to Yuri Gagarin’s flight and the beginning of human spaceflight.
【6 days until Launch🚀】
— Yusaku Maezawa (MZ) (@yousuckMZ) December 3, 2021
Final check of the Soyuz interior.
Making sure our payload and GoPro cameras are fitted in the right places inside the rocket. It’s really starting to kick in that we are flying soon😆#MZJourneytoSpace pic.twitter.com/RXavxwppVu
Rocket Roll-out
Approximately two days before the launch the fully assembled rocket with the spacecraft inside the faring, is transported by train to the launch pad, where it is raised to vertical and placed on the launch pad.
#Видео: ракета «Союз-2.1а» с кораблем #СоюзМС20 утром 5 декабря была установлена на стартовый стол площадки № 31 космодрома Байконур.
— РОСКОСМОС (@roscosmos) December 5, 2021
🇷🇺🚀🇯🇵 8 декабря на МКС должны отправиться космонавт Роскосмоса Александр Мисуркин, японский миллиардер Юсаку Маэзава и его помощник Йозо Хирано pic.twitter.com/5O7KIHLX2f
【2 days until Launch🚀】
— Yusaku Maezawa (MZ) (@yousuckMZ) December 6, 2021
The Soyuz rocket is all prepared.
MZ is also all prepared.
Just waiting for the time to come.#MZJourneytoSpace pic.twitter.com/Y9RcUDf0lQ
Launch Day
The day of launch really begins about 4 hours before the launch, with the astronauts leaving their “hotel” and making their way to the launch site. There is a final press conference, and they put on their spacesuits, before proceeding to the rocket. There are a number of customs and traditions along the way!
Good morning. It’s launch time in 9 hours. I’m going to wash my body thoroughly, disinfect my skin, wear my space underwear and flightsuit, transport closer to the launch site, wear my spacesuit, head to the launchpad, and board my Soyuz. pic.twitter.com/N06L4iPYzt
— Yusaku Maezawa (MZ) (@yousuckMZ) December 7, 2021