Roscosmos launching crews successfully launched Soyuz TMA-18M spacecraft from #1 launchpad of Baikonur spaceport (Gagarin launch) on September 2, 07.37, Moscow time. It was the 500th launch accomplished from Gagarin launchpad. The spacecraft was launched by Soyuz-FG booster.

For safety reasons new ISS crew will approach and dock with station in accordance with the traditional 2-days scheme, - Roscosmos reported.

On August 20 the cosmonauts raised flags of the countries taking part in Soyuz TMA-18M spacecraft launch.

According to Roscosmos both main and back-up crew of new ISS mission arrived in Baikonur.

Interdepartmental Commission approved main and back-up crews of new ISS mission for the flight, - GCTC spokesman reported.

Roscosmos approved main and back-up crew of Soyuz TMA-18M spacecraft to be launched to the ISS from Baikonur in September 2015. The main crew comprises Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Volkov (Soyuz TMA-18M crew commander), ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen (flight engineer) and KazKosmos cosmonaut Aidyn Aimbetov.

Kazakh astronaut Aidyn Aimbetov successfully passed all exams to fly to the ISS in September 2015, - Kazakh President press-service reports.

On July 8, 2015, in GCTC Interdepartmental Commission approved next ISS crew to go to the station onboard Soyuz TMA-17M spacecraft.

Kazakh cosmonaut Aidyn Aimbetov was approved for September flight to the ISS.

Kazakh astronaut Aidyn Aimbetov was included in ISS mission crew, Roscosmos official representative Igor Burenkov said.