Soyuz Spacecraft

space · Soviet history · astronauts

Launched since 1960s. Soyuz spacecraft have been carrying cosmonauts and astronauts to space for over 60 years, making more than 140 successful flights and proving to be one of the most reliable spacecraft ever built.

Three-part design. A Soyuz spacecraft has three main sections: the descent module where crew sits, the orbital module for living and working in space, and the service module with engines and fuel for maneuvering.

Soviet invention. The Soyuz was created by the Korolev Design Bureau for the Soviet space program and was originally designed to help the Soviet Union reach the moon before anyone else.

Launches from Kazakhstan. Every Soyuz spacecraft blasts off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, a huge launch site in the country of Kazakhstan that Russia still uses today.

Still flying today. Even though the Soviet Union no longer exists, Soyuz spacecraft are still the main way astronauts get to the International Space Station, and Russia continues building and launching them.