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Image: Dmitri Lovetsky/AP/picture alliance Image: Dmitri Lovetsky/AP/picture alliance

Soyuz

Their technical legacy stretches back to the first manned spaceflight in 1961, with Yuri Gagarin. Russia's Soyuz are the longest running family of spacecraft and still travel to and from the International Space Station.

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epa03694409 (FILE) A file undated handout image from NASA T.V. released on 20 May 2011 and taken by one of the crew members aboard the space shuttle Endeavour shows the International Space Station (ISS) as the two spacecraft were preparing to link up in Earth orbit. Reports state on 10 May 2013. Astronauts might have to step outside the International Space Station at the weekend to repair a leaking cooling system on the Earth-orbiting spacecraft, Russia's Interfax news agency reported 10 May 2013. The US space agency said in a statement that the leak was no danger to the six-member crew, who noticed floating white ammonia, which runs in loops to cool the spacecraft's power system. NASA said it was developing plans to reroute power lines to maintain full operation should the loop shut down. EPA/NASA T.V./HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY *** Local Caption *** 00000402743447 +++(c) dpa - Bildfunk+++

epa03694409 (FILE) A file undated handout image from NASA T.V. released on 20 May 2011 and taken by one of the crew members aboard the space shuttle Endeavour shows the International Space Station (ISS) as the two spacecraft were preparing to link up in Earth orbit. Reports state on 10 May 2013. Astronauts might have to step outside the International Space Station at the weekend to repair a leaking cooling system on the Earth-orbiting spacecraft, Russia's Interfax news agency reported 10 May 2013. The US space agency said in a statement that the leak was no danger to the six-member crew, who noticed floating white ammonia, which runs in loops to cool the spacecraft's power system. NASA said it was developing plans to reroute power lines to maintain full operation should the loop shut down. EPA/NASA T.V./HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY *** Local Caption *** 00000402743447 +++(c) dpa - Bildfunk+++

Astronauts arrive at ISS

A Russian Soyuz capsule carrying three astronauts has successfully docked at the International Space Station. The team made the journey in just six hours, slashing the usual two-day travel time thanks to a new method.

A photo of the ISS in orbit. (Photo: NASA/dapd)

A photo of the ISS in orbit. (Photo: NASA/dapd)

Speedy Soyuz docks at ISS

A Soyuz capsule carrying three astronauts has docked at the International Space Station, just six hours after blasting off. Typically, manned Soyuz flights to the ISS last more than two days.

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Soyuz capsule prepares for take-off

Digital technology has enabled the Soyuz capsule to make express flights. But it's tough for the crew who have to sit tight in cramped conditions.

A handout photograph released by the European Space Agency (ESA) on 12 October 2012 showing Soyuz VS03 lifting off for the third time from European's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, 12 October 2012, on its mission to place the second pair of Galileo In-Orbit Validation satellites into orbit. EPA/S MARTIN / ESA / HANDOUT

A handout photograph released by the European Space Agency (ESA) on 12 October 2012 showing Soyuz VS03 lifting off for the third time from European's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, 12 October 2012, on its mission to place the second pair of Galileo In-Orbit Validation satellites into orbit. EPA/S MARTIN / ESA / HANDOUT

'Galileo' takes crucial step

Europe's planned satellite navigation system came a step closer to completion on Friday with the launch into orbit of two more satellites. The launch means the system can now be tested.

The Soyuz TMA-04M capsule carrying the International Space Station (ISS) crew of U.S. astronaut Joseph Acaba and Russian cosmonauts Gennady Padalka and Sergei Revin descends near the town of Arkalyk in northern Kazakhstan September 17, 2012.

The Soyuz TMA-04M capsule carrying the International Space Station (ISS) crew of U.S. astronaut Joseph Acaba and Russian cosmonauts Gennady Padalka and Sergei Revin descends near the town of Arkalyk in northern Kazakhstan September 17, 2012.

Soyuz brings trio home

Two Russian cosmonauts and a US astronaut have made a parachute pinpoint landing in Kazakhstan on board a Soyuz capsule after a four-month stint on the International Space Station. Still on board ISS is a crew of three.

A handout image from NASA TV released 10 February 2010, shows a Russian Progress resupply vehicle, docked to the International Space Station, is featured in this image photographed by an STS-130 crew member on the space shuttle Endeavour during rendezvous and docking operations. EPA/NASA T.V./HANDOUT BEST QUALITY FROM NASA TV EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES

A handout image from NASA TV released 10 February 2010, shows a Russian Progress resupply vehicle, docked to the International Space Station, is featured in this image photographed by an STS-130 crew member on the space shuttle Endeavour during rendezvous and docking operations. EPA/NASA T.V./HANDOUT BEST QUALITY FROM NASA TV EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES

New space record for Russia

A Russian spacecraft has slashed the usual time taken to reach the International Space Station. The achievement has set a new record and standard for future missions.

The Soyuz spacecraft blasts off from its launch pad at Baikonur cosmodrome

The Soyuz spacecraft blasts off from its launch pad at Baikonur cosmodrome

Headed for the ISS

A Russian rocket is on its way to the International Space Station with three international astronauts after blasting off from Kazakhstan. Russia hopes the mission will help restore confidence in its space program.

Kazakhstan Russia Space Station U.S. astronaut Joseph Acaba, left, Russian cosmonauts Gennady Padalka, center, and Sergei Revin, right, crew members of the mission to the International Space Station, ISS, walk to report to members of the State Committee prior the launch of a Soyuz-FG rocket at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, in Kazakhstan, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Mikhail Metzel)

Kazakhstan Russia Space Station U.S. astronaut Joseph Acaba, left, Russian cosmonauts Gennady Padalka, center, and Sergei Revin, right, crew members of the mission to the International Space Station, ISS, walk to report to members of the State Committee prior the launch of a Soyuz-FG rocket at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, in Kazakhstan, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Mikhail Metzel)

Bound for ISS

A Soyuz capsule bound for the International Space Station has lifted off from Russia's Baikonur cosmodrone in Kazahkstan. On board Russia's first manned flight in five months are two Russians and an American astronaut.

The first Vega rocket lifted off on its maiden flight from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana Caption: Liftoff of Vega VV01. Credits: ESA - S. Corvaja, 2012 ID number: SEMADLYXHYG HI-RES JPEG size: 1600 kb

The first Vega rocket lifted off on its maiden flight from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana Caption: Liftoff of Vega VV01. Credits: ESA - S. Corvaja, 2012 ID number: SEMADLYXHYG HI-RES JPEG size: 1600 kb

Vega's maiden voyage

The European Space Agency has put its small launch rocket, Vega, into orbit for the first time. The new rocket expands Europe's possibilities for sending satellites into orbit.

Two new crew members

Two new crew members

Safe arrival

A Russian Soyuz spacecraft successfully docks with the International Space Station.

The Russian Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft that is carrying the new crew to the International Space Station

The Russian Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft that is carrying the new crew to the International Space Station

Russian space launch

A Russian spacecraft had a faultless launch easing concerns after a string of failures.

The Soyuz-FG rocket booster with Soyuz TMA-13 space ship carrying a new crew to the international space station (ISS) blasts off from the Russian leased Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Sunday, Oct.12, 2008. The Russian rocket carries U.S. space tourist Richard Garriott, U.S. astronaut Michael Fincke, and Russian cosmonaut, commander of the mission Yury Lonchakov. (AP Photo/Dmitry Lovetsky)

The Soyuz-FG rocket booster with Soyuz TMA-13 space ship carrying a new crew to the international space station (ISS) blasts off from the Russian leased Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Sunday, Oct.12, 2008. The Russian rocket carries U.S. space tourist Richard Garriott, U.S. astronaut Michael Fincke, and Russian cosmonaut, commander of the mission Yury Lonchakov. (AP Photo/Dmitry Lovetsky)

Space setback

Has Russia's space program had a permanent setback, or is it just a streak of bad luck?

Catherine Coleman went on two shuttle missions in 1995 and 1999

Catherine Coleman went on two shuttle missions in 1995 and 1999

"I brushed my teeth in space"

Catherine Coleman says the space program has become more diverse, to include more women, like her.

The International Space Station

The International Space Station

Landmark mission

A Russian rocket with three astronauts on board has blasted off for the ISS.

Sigmund Jaehn

Sigmund Jaehn

Rocket Man

The first German who flew into space has been largely forgotten 30 years after he first blast off.