ISS: Expedition 9

Launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome; landing 95 km northeast of Arkalyk.

The ISS expedition 9 was called a "caretaker" crew. Following a two day solo flight the Soyuz docked to ISS on 21.04.2004. Padalka and Fincke replaced the Expedition 8 crew. The crew performed 21 experiments and four spacewalks.

EVA 1 was aborted an 24.06.2004 after 14 min (planned 6 hours) because of a high rate pressure lost in the primary oxygen bottle of Fincke's Orlan spacesuit.

Second EVA on 30.06.2004 (5h 40 min) to install a new circuit breaker to restore power to one of four gyroscopes that help orient the complex, two flexible handrails, to mount a contamination monitor to measure Station thruster exhaust, and to add end caps to two circular handrails on the airlock.

Third EVA on 03.08.2004 (4h 30 min) replacing several materials exposure experiment packages and a thruster contamination monitor, installing reflectors and communications equipment needed for the docking of a new European Space Agency cargo ship, which shall dock on the ISS in 2005.

Fourth and final EVA on 03.09.2004 (5h 21m) installing three antennas on the exterior of the Zvezda Service Module that will aid the automated docking of a new Station supply craft, the European Automated Transfer Vehicle, replacing of a pump panel on the Zarya module, installation of guides for spacesuit tethers on Zarya handrails; installation of handrail covers near the Pirs Docking Compartment hatch.