Today the “Soyuz-2.1a” launch vehicle with the “Soyuz MS-24” manned spacecraft is sent to the ISS. On board are Hero of Turkmenistan, test cosmonaut instructor, commander of the Roscosmos cosmonaut corps Oleg Kononenko, cosmonaut Nikolai Chub, NASA astronaut Laurel O’Hara.

On this occasion, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov addressed sincere gratitude to Oleg Kononenko and all the people who connected their lives with astronautics for the selfless work on which the development of all mankind depends.

“In the modern world, astronautics is a knowledge-intensive and high-tech industry. The study of the relationship between space and terrestrial phenomena, conducting space research and the practical use of their results in various sectors of the economy serve as a source for the development of innovative technologies. It is thanks to the study of space that new developments appear in our lives that make people's lives easier and contribute to industrial progress.

For many people, the research activities of an astronaut are of great interest. As a compatriot, I received the news of your planned new expedition into space to the International Space Station as a special correspondent for TASS with a sense of pride. I am convinced that the results of your work will be an important information resource for a multi-million readership in the knowledge of space”, - Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized.

Taking advantage of this pleasant opportunity, the National Leader of the Turkmen people wished Oleg Kononenko good health, prosperity, a successful and safe flight, reports the State News Agency of Turkmenistan.

The mission of Kononenko and Chub will last until September 2024, after which they will return to Earth on the “Soyuz MS-25”.