Dmitry Bakanov, the Director General of Roscosmos, recently met with the crew of the American Crew Dragon spacecraft in the United States. During the meeting, he extended his best wishes for a successful mission and productive work to the crew, which includes Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. This information was shared by the Roscosmos press service.
The Roscosmos head`s visit took him to the John F. Kennedy Space Center, where the significant encounter with the Crew Dragon crew took place. Cosmonaut Oleg Platonov is a key member of this crew, scheduled to embark on his inaugural flight to the International Space Station (ISS) later this week on Thursday.
During the meeting, Platonov introduced Bakanov to his fellow Crew-11 mission members. The team includes spacecraft commander Zena Cardman, pilot Michael Fincke, and Japanese mission specialist Kimiko Yui.
Commander Cardman took the opportunity to explain the deeper meaning behind the mission`s emblem to the head of Roscosmos. She highlighted that the three large stars prominently featured on the emblem symbolize the three nations represented in the crew – Russia, Japan, and the United States. In a touching detail, the smaller stars on the emblem are dedicated to the children of the crew members, symbolizing their inspiration and the future of space exploration.
Platonov conveyed that a strong sense of camaraderie and good relations have developed among the crew members during their intensive preparation for the flight. He affirmed that he, along with the entire team, is fully prepared and ready for the upcoming space mission.
Concluding the meeting, the Roscosmos Director General offered his heartfelt wishes, stating, “We wish you good luck and successful work, and we await your safe return. Thank you, may everything unfold as planned.”
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth