The crew of the Soyuz MS-29 made final preparations before launching to the ISS.

Final preparations for the launch of the Soyuz MS-29 manned transport spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) are being completed at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Pavel Kuznetsov, a correspondent for Izvestia, told the details on July 14.

The main crew of the 75th mission included Roscosmos cosmonauts Peter Dubrov and Anna Kikina, as well as NASA astronaut Anil Menon. The preparation for the launch takes place in a heat of + 35 degrees. According to established tradition, the space explorers left the Cosmonaut Hotel to the song "Grass at Home."

On the eve of the launch, NASA Chief Jared Isaakman arrived at Baikonur, which was the first visit by the head of the American department to the Kazakh cosmodrome in the last eight years. On Monday, July 13, he took part in a meeting of the state commission for crew approval. Before the ship's departure, Dmitry Bakanov, Director General of the Roscosmos State Corporation, held a meeting with his American counterpart, during which the parties discussed issues of bilateral cooperation in the space industry.

"On behalf of NASA, I want to thank Roscosmos and all the teams that have been preparing for this mission. The comprehensive work done over the past few months reflects the professionalism and dedication of all participants," said Isaakman.

During the meeting of the commission, the head of Roscosmos, Dmitry Bakanov, confirmed the composition of the crews, noting the experience of the ship's commander.

"Dear colleagues, since all the decisions have already been taken by the State Commission, I want to wish you good luck, Peter Valerievich, this is the second time you have worked at Soyuz," Bakanov said, addressing Peter Dubrovu.

Preparation for the flight included not only technical training and medical examinations, but also compliance with preflight traditions. The crew conducted a mandatory viewing of the film "White Sun of the Desert". According to Anna Kikina, this custom was also adopted by foreign colleagues in the United States.

"I can say from us that Andrey Fedyaev brought an element of our traditions, watching the movie "White Sun of the Desert". Astronauts are now watching the White Sun of the Desert on the territory of the Lyndon Johnson Space Center before launch," Kikina said.

After completing the official procedures, the crew will head to the launch complex to board the ship.

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On July 13, it became known that Russian cosmonauts Peter Dubrov and Anna Kikina would install a Teledroid robotic system on the outer surface of the ISS during one of their spacewalks. The necessary equipment for the installation of the robotic system will be delivered by one of the Russian cargo spacecraft. Anna Kikina told Izvestia in an exclusive interview about the Teledroid test on the ISS.

Bakanov announced on July 13 that he would discuss further plans for the fate of the ISS with Isaakman. After the station's operation is completed, Russia will create its own orbital station, and the United States will create its own.