Horizons launch day is set for 6 June 2018. For ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst, NASA astronaut Serena Auñón-Chancellor and Roscosmos commander Sergei Prokopyev it will be a long day with an early start. Below is a detailed timeline of the run-up to launch for their two-day voyage to the International Space Station. 

All times are in GMT and are indications. Launch is scheduled at 11:12 GMT, 13:12 CEST.

Time         L-

02:12:41   9:00           Crew wakeup at Cosmonaut Hotel

05:12:41  6:00           Crew departs Cosmonaut Hotel

05:27:41  5:45            Batteries installed in booster

05:55:41  5:16            Crew arrives at Site 254

06:12:41   5:00            Tanking begins

06:42:41  4:30            Crew suit up

07:07:41  4:05            Booster loaded with liquid Oxygen

07:42:41  3:30           Crew meets family members on other side of the glass

08:07:41  3:05            First and second stage Oxygen fueling complete

08:12:41   3:00            Crew walkout from Site 254 and boards bus for the launch pad

08:17:41   2:55            Crew departs for launch pad (Site 1)

08:37:41  2:35            Crew arrives at launch pad (Site 1)

08:47:41   2:25            Crew boards Soyuz; strapped in to the Descent module

09:37:41   1:35            Descent module hardware tested

09:52:41   1:20            Hatch closed; leak checks begin

10:12:41    1:00            Launch vehicle control system prep; gyro activation

10:15:00    1:00             ESA TV launch coverage begins

10:27:41    :45:00          Pad service structure components lowered

10:28:41  :44:00          Clamshell gantry service towers retracted

10:35:41 :37:00           Suit leak checks begin; descent module testing complete

10:38:41  :34:00           Emergency escape system armed

10:57:41    :15:00          Suit leak checks complete; escape system to auto

11:02:41    :10:00         Gyros in flight readiness and recorders activated

11:05:41    :07:00          Pre-launch operations complete

11:06:41    :06:00          Launch countdown operations to auto; vehicle ready

11:07:41  :05:00            Commander’s controls activated

11:08:41  :04:00           Combustion chamber nitrogen purge

11:09:41  :03:00          Propellant drain back

11:09:56     :01:45      Booster propellant tank pressurisation

11:11:11     :01:30       Ground propellant feed terminated

11:11:41       :01:00      Vehicle to internal power

11:12:06      :00:35       First umbilical tower separates

Auto sequence start

11:12:11    :00:30         Ground umbilical to third stage disconnected

11:12:26       :00:15        Second umbilical tower separates

11:12:29       :00:12        Launch command issued

Engine Start Sequence Begins

11:12:31     :00:10          Engine turbopumps at flight speed

11:12:36    :00:05           Engines at maximum thrust

11:12:41     00:00      LAUNCH OF SOYUZ MS-09

11:21:26        +08:45     Third stage shutdown and orbital insertion

Docking

After 34 orbits of Earth, ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst will arrive at the International Space Station on 8 June at 13:07 GMT (15:07 CEST). His Soyuz spacecraft will dock with the Station’s Rassvet module. The hatch will open about two hours later, marking the start of the Horizons mission. 

8 June 2018

12:15 ESA TV docking coverage begins

13:07 Docking

13:20 Docking hooks close 

13:23 Pressure-check for leaks 

14:30 ESA TV hatch opening coverage begins

15:05 Hatches open for greetings and safety briefing