Soyuz Spacecraft

Russia's Soyuz spacecraft consists of several modules and carries astronauts and equipment into space.RussianSpaceWeb: Manned Spacecraft Soyuz

On March 12, 2009, the crew of International Space Station evacuated into the Soyuz due to a threat of impact from space debris. NASA said the chance of impact was low but the debris were large enough to cause damage.Chron.com: Astronauts leave space station as debris approaches (March 12, 2009) The crew was allowed to return to the ISS at 12:45 EDT and return to normal operations.

The Soyuz family of spaceships consists of several modules that bring astronauts and equipment into space.RussianSpaceWeb: Manned Spacecraft Soyuz The first model was designed during the sixties, with newer generations and upgrades following into the 21st century.NASA: Russian Soyuz TMA Spacecraft Details

The Soyuz can dock into the International Space Station and serves as the return ship for astronauts working there.

Along with its government-assigned crew, the Soyuz also flies space tourists to the International Space Station. On October 12, 2008, Richard Garriott became the sixth privately funded space traveler to fly on board the Soyuz.FOXNews: Soyuz Spacecraft Heads for Space... (October 12, 2008)

On October 23, 2008, the craft landed safely in Kazakhstan with civilian astronaut Garriott on board.Chron: Soyuz capsule carrying Austin millionaire lands safely (October 23, 2008)

The Soyuz safely landed in remote Kazakhstan on October 23, 2008, after ten days in space. Austin computer game designer Richard Garriott, the 47-year-old son of a former astronaut, paid $30 million for the round-trip flight to the International Space Station. The last two landings in April and October of 2007 were jarring as the Soyuz landed off course after plunging into the Earth's atmosphere on steeper-than-anticipated trajectories.Chron: Soyuz capsule carrying Austin millionaire lands safely (October 23, 2008)