October 12, 2008. Launch Day for Expedition 18 to the International Space Station.
Our day began before dawn as we arrived at the Cosmonaut Hotel to witness the crew emerge from the hotel and walk to the bus that would eventually take them to the launch pad. Photographers, news reporters, and enthusiastic citizens lined the walkway awaiting their emergence.
Once the crew left on their bus, we boarded our own bus to follow them to the next stop where they would have their last flight suit check. Again the crew would remain behind glass while the spectators gathered on the other side. Many Russian military VIPs arrived for this event. Our group was given press passes to gain access to the suit check. We were able to witness the procedure along with the NASA families.
After the crew boarded the bus, they headed to the launch site. There they were strapped into the Soyuz and waited for launch. Our group headed to the launch pad as well. Unlike the gorgeous setting of the Kennedy Space Center, set amidst a wildlife sanctuary, launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome take off from the barren steppes of Kazakhstan. The facility was originally placed here for secrecy. After the end of the Cold War, that was no longer an issue. However, the flat landscape makes for perfect viewing as you will see in the following video of the launch.
Welcome to SpaceQuest!
Welcome to Space Quest! My name is Sharon Brewster. I am a fifth grade teacher who grew up during the space age. As a child, I watched men ride rockets of fire and it ignited in me a fascination with space exploration. My goal is to pass this fascination on to my students, and to children and adults everywhere. On this site, you will find activities, lessons, stories, and links to a variety of sites all connected to space exploration. You can learn about the early star voyagers who blasted off into the unknown, and you can recreate that experience by entering a simulation. Whether you want to be an astronaut or just want to learn about them, there is something here for you!
SpaceQuest Camera Feed
Calling all kids, join the Space Program!
During the Cold War, the Soviet Union and the United States were vying for control of space. Although the United States achieved the ultimate success of landing men on the Moon, the Soviets dazzled the world with a series of space "firsts." Unfortunately, because of the Cold War, America's public knew little of these achievements, but they are worthy of recognition. The Soviets were the first to launch an animal, a man, and then a woman into space. A Russian was the first to spacewalk outside his space craft, and the first space station was Russian. These are only a few of the Soviet space successes that you can explore on this site.
Starting October 6, 2008, you can watch Soviet space exploration as it unfolds. SpaceQuest and I will be traveling to Russia and Kazakhstan to visit inside the Russian space program and will be sending photos and video of the trip. See Russian Mission Control. Visit Star City, where the cosmonauts live and train. Witness the rollout of the Soyuz rocket in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Meet the International Space Station Expedition 18 crew as they prepare for their mission. Experience the launch of the crew and their docking with the International Space Station. An incredible journey continues, and you can be part of it!
Starting October 6, 2008, you can watch Soviet space exploration as it unfolds. SpaceQuest and I will be traveling to Russia and Kazakhstan to visit inside the Russian space program and will be sending photos and video of the trip. See Russian Mission Control. Visit Star City, where the cosmonauts live and train. Witness the rollout of the Soyuz rocket in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Meet the International Space Station Expedition 18 crew as they prepare for their mission. Experience the launch of the crew and their docking with the International Space Station. An incredible journey continues, and you can be part of it!
Science & Space Trivia
Space Simulators & Games
What would you like to ask teacher Sharon to video while she is in Russia for the ISS expedition 18 launch?
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