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Vinogradov and Williams were to be joined later by European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Reiter of Germany, when the space shuttle Discovery visits the space station in July.Once Reiter arrives, the station's long-duration crew will be three in number for the first time since May 2003, following the Columbia disaster that February.
“It's a new beginning for the space station,” NASA official Kirk Shireman said after watching the launch.
The American space program has depended on the Russians for cargo and astronaut delivery to the space station since the Columbia explosion.
The shuttle Discovery visited the station in July but had problems with the foam insulation on its external fuel tank.
Williams praised the cooperation between the Russians and the Americans, saying the two countries were united by the common vision of space exploration and by the goal of keeping a permanent presence in orbit following the Columbia accident.
“I think the partnership is str...
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