Astronaut Mark Vande Hei learned just last week that he’ll launch April 9 on a Russian rocket to the International Space Station.
Tentatively titled “Vyzov," challenge in English, it’s meant to highlight Russian space activities and glorify the cosmonaut profession, according to a news release.
Five years have passed since now retired astronaut Scott Kelly completed a 340-day space station mission, a U.S. record.
Space station missions typically last six months.
Until the private company began providing rides last year, Russia provided the only lift for space station crews once NASA's shuttles stopped flying.