a Russian capsule launched an American astronaut into space, marking an important continuation of the Russian-US space relationship.
The spacecraft lifted off from Kazakhstan's legendary Baikonur Cosmodrome
carrying NASA astronaut Frank Rubio and two Russian cosmonauts.
beginning what will be a six-month stay aboard the International Space Station Liftoff took place at 9:54 a.m. ET.
Rubio, who will serve as a flight engineer on this mission, will be making his first voyage to space.
He is a professional family physician who has also worked as a flight surgeon.
Prior to joining the astronaut corps, he graduated from the United States Military Academy and got a Doctorate of Medicine.
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