Russian cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov took command of the ISS

Russian cosmonaut Sergei Kud-Sverchkov has become the new commander of the International Space Station (ISS), having received a symbolic key from astronaut Michael Fink. This was announced by Roscosmos on November 12.

"The ceremony of handing over command of the station took place at the space house. Astronaut Michael Fink handed over the symbolic key to the ISS to cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov," the Telegram channel said.

It is specified that, according to tradition, the ship's bell was then struck, marking the official assumption of command.

As commander of the ISS, Kud-Sverchkov will manage the station's crew on the Russian and American segments, ensure the safety of astronauts and astronauts, and inform Mission Control Centers in Korolev and Houston in case of emergencies.

The position of commander of the ISS was introduced in 2000, and Sergey Kud-Sverchkov became the 36th Russian commander of the International Space Station.

Space exploration: Russia to send representatives of three countries into orbit

These may be citizens of Indonesia, North Korea, Vietnam or the Central African Republic, experts believe.

On November 11, 2025, members of the space crew preparing for a flight to the ISS spoke about the preparations for the flight, during which scientific experiments will be conducted as part of the program. Kud-Sverchkov noted that preparing for a flight is a long and complex process.

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