The International Space Station (ISS) has been a cornerstone of international collaboration in space exploration since its inception. On June 8, 2018, the ISS welcomed three new crew members, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing mission to advance scientific research and foster global cooperation. This article provides an overview of the ISS's status on that date, details about the arriving crew, and the broader context of their mission.

International Space Station Status on June 8, 2018

As of June 8, 2018, the ISS was operating at full capacity with a crew of six astronauts. The station's primary objectives included conducting a wide array of scientific experiments across various disciplines, such as biology, Earth science, human research, physical sciences, and technology development. The crew was engaged in approximately 250 science investigations, contributing to our understanding of life in space and its effects on the human body. This research aimed to benefit both space exploration and life on Earth. ([nasa.gov](

Arrival of New Crew Members

On June 8, 2018, the Soyuz MS-09 spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS, delivering three new crew members to the station. The crew consisted of:

  • Serena Auñón-Chancellor – NASA astronaut and flight engineer.
  • Alexander Gerst – European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut and flight engineer.
  • Sergey Prokopyev – Roscosmos cosmonaut and Soyuz commander. ([nasa.gov](

The docking occurred at 9:01 a.m. EDT, with hatches opening at 11:17 a.m. EDT, allowing the new crew members to join Expedition 56 Commander Drew Feustel, Flight Engineer Ricky Arnold, and cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev aboard the ISS. ([nasa.gov](

Mission Objectives and Research Focus

The arrival of Auñón-Chancellor, Gerst, and Prokopyev restored the ISS crew complement to six, enabling the station to continue its extensive research program. The crew's mission objectives included:

  • Biological Studies: Investigating the effects of microgravity on human physiology, including bone density, muscle mass, and cardiovascular health.
  • Earth Science: Conducting remote sensing of Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and landmasses to monitor environmental changes and natural disasters.
  • Physical Sciences: Studying fundamental physics phenomena, such as fluid dynamics and combustion, in the unique microgravity environment.
  • Technology Development: Testing new technologies for future space exploration missions, including advanced life support systems and habitat modules. ([nasa.gov](

These investigations aimed to enhance our understanding of space travel's impact on the human body and to develop technologies that could support long-duration missions to destinations like Mars.

International Collaboration and Crew Composition

The ISS has long been a symbol of international cooperation, bringing together astronauts from various space agencies to work towards common scientific goals. The crew composition on June 8, 2018, exemplified this collaboration:

  • NASA (United States): Serena Auñón-Chancellor and Drew Feustel.
  • ESA (European Space Agency): Alexander Gerst.
  • Roscosmos (Russia): Sergey Prokopyev, Oleg Artemyev, and Ricky Arnold. ([nasa.gov](

This diverse team worked together to ensure the success of the ISS's mission, conducting experiments and maintaining the station's systems to support ongoing research.

Impact and Legacy

The arrival of the new crew members in June 2018 contributed significantly to the ISS's scientific endeavors. Their work provided valuable data on human health in space, advanced our understanding of Earth's systems, and tested technologies that are crucial for future exploration missions. The collaborative efforts of the international crew underscored the importance of unity in achieving the shared goal of advancing human knowledge through space exploration.

As of August 22, 2026, the ISS continues to serve as a platform for scientific research and international cooperation, building upon the foundation laid by missions like that of June 2018. The data and experiences gained from these missions continue to inform and inspire future generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers.

Sources

  • NASA — Astronauts Safely in Orbit Following Launch to International Space Station —
  • NASA — New Crew Arrives at the International Space Station —
  • NASA — Two NASA Astronauts Among Crew Heading to International Space Station —
  • ESA — Follow the launch and docking of ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst —
  • NASA — Crew Returns to Earth as Another Prepares for Launch —