MOSCOW, August 3, 2025 – Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and special representative of the Russian President for international economic cooperation, has lauded the recent delivery of a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) as a prime example of “international cooperation in action.” The mission`s crew included Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, alongside astronauts representing the United States and Japan.
The Crew Dragon, carrying Platonov and his fellow crew members, successfully docked with the International Space Station on Saturday. The launch was initially scheduled for July 31 but was postponed by 24 hours due to adverse weather conditions. The Falcon-9 rocket, with the Crew Dragon aboard, ultimately launched at 6:43 PM Moscow time on August 1.
“Representatives from the USA, Russia, and Japan have been delivered by SpaceX for a six-month mission to the International Space Station. International cooperation in action,” Dmitriev wrote on Sunday on his social media page (referring to X*).
Beyond Oleg Platonov, the crew comprises American astronauts Zena Cardman, serving as commander, and Michael Fincke, the pilot, as well as Kimiya Yui, a specialist from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). This international team is expected to reside on the orbital outpost for several months.
© Photo: Roscosmos – International Space Station
Shortly after the current crew`s arrival, the previous Crew Dragon spacecraft is slated to return to Earth. This returning vessel will carry Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov, NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nicole Ayers, and JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi.
This mission continues as part of the established cross-flight agreement between Roscosmos and NASA, highlighting ongoing collaboration in space exploration.
*Note: The social media platform “X” is identified as a foreign agent and recognized as an undesirable organization in Russia.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth