Photos: Pre-launch press conference

André Kuipers during the pre-launch press conference

Today’s pre-launch press conference was the final chance for members of the media present at the launch site in Baikonur to ask the crew about their mission.

ESA astronaut André Kuipers explained how he was looking forward to living in space. His first spaceflight in 2004 was relatively short. This time he is looking forward to making the ISS his home.

When asked what he would miss most about being on Earth, he answered that he would normally say ‘a warm shower’, but on reflection, since it is annoying how items float away in space, he wishes that he could have a switch to turn gravity on now and then.

There was also a special message for the crew, and for Dutchman André in particular, from Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, wishing them a successful launch and a safe journey home.