Fyodor Spacecraft Prepares to Dock with ISS

Humanoid robot Fyodor prepares for the Soyuz MS-14 orbital flight to the International Space Station. (Getty Images)
Humanoid robot Fyodor prepares for the Soyuz MS-14 orbital flight to the International Space Station. (Getty Images)
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Fyodor Spacecraft Prepares to Dock with ISS

Humanoid robot Fyodor prepares for the Soyuz MS-14 orbital flight to the International Space Station. (Getty Images)
Humanoid robot Fyodor prepares for the Soyuz MS-14 orbital flight to the International Space Station. (Getty Images)

Fyodor, the first humanoid robot to partake in a space mission, lost a chance to be named "the first robot to join the International Space Station crew" after the Soyuz MS-14 spacecraft carrying it, failed to dock with the station.

Fyodor was preparing for a second docking attempt scheduled on Tuesday morning, stated the NASA and Roscosmos.

On August 22, the Soyuz spacecraft embarked on a mission to the ISS, carrying Fyodor and its small companion.

Once it arrives to the ISS, the humanoid robot is supposed to start its tasks including sending measures remotely, determining the mission's safety signals and taking part in experiments that will be used while working in open space.

Two days after the launch, Soyuz reached the right orbit to dock with the ISS. However, a malfunction stopped it when it was only 60 meters away and prompted astronauts to keep it at a safe distance.

Three astronauts - Russian, Italian and American - have completed the necessary training before the second docking attempt.

The astronauts on board the station have relocated some of their units as part of preparations for the operation, which is supposed to end with Fyodor moving from Soyuz to the International Space Station, becoming the first robot to carry out missions within the station crew.

The Russian robot is supposed to stay there until September 7 before returning to Earth.

The manufacture of the robot Fyodor started in 2014. At the request of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, it was later decided to train and develop it to be the first robot to partake in a space flight. Fyodor will also be used in the missions of the Federatsiya spacecraft being manufactured as part of the program of lunar manned flights.



SAUDIA Wins Best Airline Cabin Crew Award at Business Traveler Awards

Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. (Reuters)
Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. (Reuters)
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SAUDIA Wins Best Airline Cabin Crew Award at Business Traveler Awards

Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. (Reuters)
Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. (Reuters)

Saudia Airlines (SAUDIA) has earned the Best Airline Cabin Crew award at the 2024 Business Traveler North America Awards ceremony in Miami, US.
SAUDIA Chief Guest Experience Officer Rossen Dimitrov received the award, which is given to airlines for the first time, SPA reported.
Dimitrov said that the award received by SAUDIA is testimony to its dedication to enhancing the travel experience, aiming to elevate it to new heights and surpass expectations. He added that air service constitutes a critical aspect of travel, and is a key indicator of service quality that reflects the level of guest satisfaction.
This international recognition, he said, underscores the effectiveness of SAUDIA employees, “particularly the team of navigators who are crucial to the operational system, managing over 500 flights daily”.
He noted that air service is experiencing significant improvements that showcase Saudi culture, from the warm welcome and assistance to the menu featuring meals inspired by the Saudi cuisine, and the tradition of serving Saudi coffee and dates sourced from the homeland, as a sign of hospitality.
As part of its strategic vision for a new era, SAUDIA is dedicated to continuous innovation and to coming up with impactful initiatives that improve services and products. Its commitment to improving its operational performance is evident in the modern, and expanding, fleet, which currently includes 144 aircraft that helps it carry out its plan of connecting the world with the Kingdom.