Overview of the International Crew Manifest
The International Crew Manifest for 2020-2027 outlines a detailed schedule of crewed missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and other space endeavors. Spanning from late 2019 through mid-2027, this plan tracks the rotation of astronauts and cosmonauts from various space agencies across the globe. The document, created by SpaceShuttleAlmanac, serves as a visual roadmap, highlighting key expeditions, launch vehicles, and the individuals involved in maintaining the ISS’s continuous human presence.
Key Missions and Expeditions
The manifest covers a series of expeditions labeled Exp 61 through Exp 78, each representing a roughly six-month period aboard the ISS. These expeditions involve crews launched primarily via Soyuz spacecraft from Baikonur Cosmodrome and SpaceX’s Crew Dragon from Kennedy Space Center. Early missions, such as Exp 61 starting in October 2019, relied heavily on Soyuz, while later expeditions, like Exp 70 onward, incorporate Crew Dragon flights, reflecting a shift toward commercial spaceflight.
Notable missions include the introduction of the Crew Dragon in 2020 with Demo-2, marking NASA’s return to launching astronauts from American soil. The manifest also details cargo resupply missions using SpaceX’s Cargo Dragon and other vehicles, ensuring the ISS remains stocked with supplies. Beyond the ISS, sub-orbital flights by Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic appear, showcasing commercial space tourism efforts.
Participating Organizations and Crew
Multiple space agencies contribute to the manifest, including NASA, Roscosmos, the European Space Agency (ESA), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Additional participants from United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia reflect growing international collaboration.
The crew list features a diverse group of astronauts and cosmonauts, such as Sergey Ryzhikov, Kate Rubins, and Victor Glover, with each expedition typically including three to seven members. Backup crews are also listed, ensuring readiness for any unforeseen changes. Sub-orbital flights highlight figures like Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson, tied to their companies’ test flights.
Launch Schedule and Vehicles
The timeline spans from October 2019 to July 2027, with launches occurring at regular intervals. Soyuz missions, like Soyuz MS-12 and MS-13, dominate the early years, launching from Baikonur. Crew Dragon missions, starting with USCV-1 in May 2020, launch from Kennedy, with flights like USCV-2 and USCV-3 following. Cargo missions, such as those by Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus, complement crewed flights.
Key dates include the launch of Exp 61 on October 2019 and the anticipated Exp 78 in July 2027. The manifest also notes the integration of new modules, like the Tardigrade Double Core and Xuntian Telescope, expanding the ISS’s capabilities.
Sub-Orbital and Commercial Ventures
Beyond the ISS, the manifest includes sub-orbital flights by Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic. Blue Origin’s New Shepard missions, labeled NS-12 through NS-20, began in 2021, carrying passengers past the Kármán line. Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity flights, such as VG-01 and VG-06, started in 2021, focusing on space tourism. These efforts signal a growing private sector role in space exploration.
Planned Missions Yet to Launch
Several missions remain on the horizon, scheduled for the latter part of 2025 and into 2027. Expedition 74, set to begin in late 2025, will see the launch of a new crew including NASA’s Anne McClain, Nichole Ayers, and Jonny Kim, alongside international partners, using a Soyuz rocket from Baikonur. This expedition will continue through early 2026, with plans to welcome the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew and SpaceX Crew-11. The unpiloted Progress 92 spacecraft, launched on July 3, 2025, is currently delivering supplies to support Expedition 73, with its arrival noted on July 5, 2025.
Looking further ahead, Expedition 75, starting in early 2026, involves Crew Dragon USCV-10, targeting a late March 2025 launch that has faced delays. This mission will bring a fresh quartet to the ISS, though exact crew details remain pending. Expedition 76 and 77, spanning mid-2026 to mid-2027, include tentative launches of Soyuz MS-28 and Crew Dragon USCV-11, with new modules like the Tardigrade Double Core expected to enhance the station’s research capacity. Expedition 78, concluding the manifest in July 2027, awaits confirmation of its launch vehicle and crew, reflecting ongoing adjustments to the schedule.
Summary
The International Crew Manifest 2020-2027 provides a clear picture of global space efforts, blending traditional agency missions with emerging commercial ventures. It tracks the steady operation of the ISS through a rotating cast of international crew members and the evolution of launch technologies. Upcoming missions and ongoing crew presence highlight the dynamic nature of space exploration, with delays and adjustments shaping the timeline. As the manifest progresses, the increased involvement of private companies suggests a future where space travel extends beyond government-led initiatives.
