Russia will launch new capsule to return space station crew

By VLADIMIR ISACHENKOV and MARCIA DUNN
Associated Press

MOSCOW (AP) — Russia will send up a new capsule next month to bring back three space station astronauts whose original ride home was damaged. NASA and Russian space officials announced the plan Wednesday. The switch in capsules means the two Russians and one American will remain several extra months at the International Space Station, possibly pushing their mission to a year. The new Soyuz capsule will launch from Kazakhstan on Feb. 20. Because all of the coolant leaked from the astronauts’ original capsule, officials say the cabin temperature could top 100 degrees Fahrenheit during reentry. The capsule will come back empty once its replacement is in place.