Andreas ready for launch

ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen will spend ten days in space as part of his ‘iriss’ mission to the International Space Station. He leaves Earth in the Soyuz TMA-18M spacecraft with commander Sergei Volkov and Kazakh cosmonaut Aidyn Aimbetov.

The trio are staying near the launchpad in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, preparing for their intense trip into space. This image was taken as Andreas was making sure his Sokol suit fits correctly. He will wear this suit for launch and landing, and it will protect him in case of an emergency.

Follow the whole mission with live updates via the iriss mission blog and Twitter via @esaoperations

Connect with Andreas at: andreasmogensen.esa.int/