Carla Cioffi

Photographer

NASA: Human Spaceflight

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Location: Washington, DC

Nationality: American

Biography: Carla Cioffi is a photographer working across multiple genres. She was born in Caracas, Venezuela to a Sicilian immigrant father and an American mother. Through her mother's lineage, she is a member of the Cherokee Nation. As a... MORE

A Russian Orthodox priest is se...he International Space Station.

A Russian Orthodox priest is seen blessing the Soyuz Rocket the day before its launch to the International Space Station.

Human Spaceflight

Soyuz Rocket Launches to the

International Space Station

Baikonur Cosmodrome
Baikonur, Kazakhstan

NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell D...tation aboard the Soyuz rocket.

NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson is seen having her Sokol suit pressured checked hours before her launch to the International Space Station aboard the Soyuz rocket.

The Soyuz rocket is seen second...speed of 17,500 miles per hour.

The Soyuz rocket is seen seconds after its launch carrying three astronauts to the International Space Station. The astronauts would spend two days in the Soyuz capsule rendezvouing with the International Space Station at a speed of 17,500 miles per hour.

The Soyuz rocket is seen being ... miles and takes about 5 hours.

The Soyuz rocket is seen being rolled out to the launch pad in the early morning hours. The trip from hanger to launch pad is 3 miles and takes about 5 hours.

A vignette of a cosmonaut&#...he International Space Station.

A vignette of a cosmonaut's Sokol suit being pressure checked hours before launch to the International Space Station.

The Soyuz rocket is lifted on t... can often reach -40 degrees F.

The Soyuz rocket is lifted on to the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Launches take place four times per year in all weather conditions. In the winter temperatures can often reach -40 degrees F.

The Soyuz rocket is seen three ...konur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The Soyuz rocket is seen three quarters of a mile away at dusk an hour before its liftoff to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The Russian Soyuz rocket is see...he International Space Station.

The Russian Soyuz rocket is seen before dawn being rolled out to its launch pad two days before its scheduled launch to the International Space Station.

A view of the Soyuz rocket bein...konur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

A view of the Soyuz rocket being rolled out to the launch pad on its three mile journey at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Russian miliitary personnel sta...konur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Russian miliitary personnel stand guard as the Soyuz rocket is rolled out from its hanger at the start of its three mile journey to the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Russian cosmonaut Andrey Shkapl...he International Space Station.

Russian cosmonaut Andrey Shkaplerov and American astronaut Daniel Burbank are seen speaking with each other as they await their Sokol suits pressure checked hours before their launch to the International Space Station.

Russian space agency ground cre...konur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Russian space agency ground crew are seen readying the Soyuz rocket at the launch pad two days before its launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The Soyuz rocket is seen in the...konur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The Soyuz rocket is seen in the distance as the launch pad gantry arms are lifted in to position for its launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The Soyuz rocket boosters are s...konur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The Soyuz rocket boosters are seen onboard the train that takes it to its launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Russian military personnel are ...konur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Russian military personnel are seen walking alongside the Soyuz rocket as it is rolled out to its launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The Soyuz rocket is seen during...konur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The Soyuz rocket is seen during a snow storm hours before its launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

A dragonfly is seen in the fore...;nbsp;Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

A dragonfly is seen in the foreground from the Soyuz Rocket at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The Soyuz rocket is rolled out ...konur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The Soyuz rocket is rolled out to the launch pad in the frigid early morning hours at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The Soyuz rocket is seen being ...konur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The Soyuz rocket is seen being lifted into position on its launch pad two days before its launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The fiery tail of the Soyuz roc...p a couple hundred meters away.

The fiery tail of the Soyuz rocket is seen moments after it leaves the launch pad. This image was made using a remote camera set up a couple hundred meters away.

The Soyuz rocket is still seen ...konur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The Soyuz rocket is still seen hundreds of miles down range after its launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The Soyuz rocket is rolled out to the launch pad in the frigid early morning hours while flanked by Russian military personnel at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The Soyuz rocket is seen at the...konur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The Soyuz rocket is seen at the launch pad as its gantry arms are lifted in to position for its launch to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The Soyuz rocket is seen three quarters of a mile away at dusk an hour before its liftoff to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The Soyuz rocket is rolled out to the launch pad in the frigid early morning hours at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Return to Earth

Remote Landing Zones on the
Steppes of Kazakhstan

The Soyuz capsule carrying thre...eflight affects the human body.

The Soyuz capsule carrying three astronauts returning to earth from the International Space Station. The astronauts spent 5-6 months onboard the ISS conducting scientific research on how long-duration spaceflight affects the human body.

Russian military Mi-8 helicopte...sule's return to earth.

Russian military Mi-8 helicopters are seeing flying to the landing zone in preparation for the Soyuz capsule's return to earth.

A view out of the window of a R...yuz capsule returning to earth.

A view out of the window of a Russian Mi-8 helicopter on the way to the landing site in preparation for the Soyuz capsule returning to earth.

Helicopter pilot and major in t...yuz capsule returning to earth.

Helicopter pilot and major in the Russian army, Dennis Valeriyevich, is seen in the cockpit of his Mi-8 helicopter as we make our way to the landing site in preparation for the Soyuz capsule returning to earth.

The Soyuz capsule is seen makin...eflight affects the human body.

The Soyuz capsule is seen making a hard landing on the earth with three astronauts aboard returning from their 6 month expedition onboard the International Space Station. The astronauts spent spent time conducting scientific research on how long-duration spaceflight affects the human body.

American astronaut Daniel Burba...he International Space Station.

American astronaut Daniel Burbank is seen being extracted from the Soyuz capsule minutes after he and two other astronauts returned to earth after a 6 month expedition onboard the International Space Station.

The Soyuz capsule is seen after...eflight affects the human body.

The Soyuz capsule is seen after making a hard landing on the earth with three astronauts aboard returning from their 6 month expedition onboard the International Space Station. The astronauts spent spent time conducting scientific research on how long-duration spaceflight affects the human body.

Italian astronaut, Luca Parmita...he International Space Station.

Italian astronaut, Luca Parmitano, of the European Space Agency is seen being carried from the Russian Soyuz capsule shortly after he and two other astronauts returned to earth after a 6 month expedition onboard the International Space Station.

A Russian military personnel is...e landing of the Soyuz capsule.

A Russian military personnel is seen waiting at the landing site following the landing of the Soyuz capsule.

Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padal...he International Space Station.

Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka is administered to by a nurse minutes after he and two other astronauts returned to earth after a 6 month expedition onboard the International Space Station.

A Russian military personnel is...oard the Russian Soyuz capsule.

A Russian military personnel is seen riding on a Russian military ATV in a remote location on the Steppes of Kazakhstan following the return of three astronauts aboard the Russian Soyuz capsule.

Russian military Mi-8 helicopte...oard the Russian Soyuz capsule.

Russian military Mi-8 helicopters are seen in a remote location on the Steppes of Kazakhstan following the return of three astronauts aboard the Russian Soyuz capsule.

Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfie...he International Space Station.

Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield is administered to by his doctor minutes after he and two other astronauts returned to earth after a 6 month expedition onboard the International Space Station.

American astronaut Joseph Acaba...he International Space Station.

American astronaut Joseph Acaba is seen writing his signature on the side of the Russian Soyuz capsule moments after he and two other astronauts returned to earth after a 6 month expedition onboard the International Space Station.

A Russian helicopter co-pilot i...yuz capsule returning to earth.

A Russian helicopter co-pilot is seen in the cockpit of his Mi-8 helicopter as we make our way to the landing site in preparation for the Soyuz capsule returning to earth.

Russian military ATVs are seen ...oard the Russian Soyuz capsule.

Russian military ATVs are seen in a remote location on the Steppes of Kazakhstan following the return of three astronauts aboard the Russian Soyuz capsule.

An inflatable medical tent is s...oscow and to the United States.

An inflatable medical tent is seen in a remote location on the Steppes of Kazakhstan following the return of three astronauts aboard the Russian Soyuz capsule. The astronauts are carried to the medical tent for checkups before they are flown back to Moscow and to the United States.

Russian cosmonaut Sergei Revin ...he International Space Station.

Russian cosmonaut Sergei Revin is seen being administered to minutes after he and two other astronauts returned to earth after a 6 month expedition onboard the International Space Station.

A Russian Mi-8 military helicop...he International Space Station.

A Russian Mi-8 military helicopter is seen at dawn at the staging location moments before the crew takes off to the landing zone where they will meet the Russian Soyuz capsule and three astronauts onboard as they return from a 6 month expedition to the International Space Station.

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Thumbnail of A Russian Orthodox priest is see_the International Space Station.

Thumbnail of NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dy_Station aboard the Soyuz rocket.

Thumbnail of The Soyuz rocket is seen seconds_ speed of 17,500 miles per hour.

Thumbnail of The Soyuz rocket is seen being r_3 miles and takes about 5 hours.

Thumbnail of A vignette of a cosmonaut&#3_the International Space Station.

Thumbnail of The Soyuz rocket is lifted on to_s can often reach -40 degrees F.

Thumbnail of The Soyuz rocket is seen three q_ikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Thumbnail of The Russian Soyuz rocket is seen_the International Space Station.

Thumbnail of A view of the Soyuz rocket being_ikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Thumbnail of Russian miliitary personnel stan_ikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Thumbnail of Russian cosmonaut Andrey Shkaple_the International Space Station.

Thumbnail of Russian space agency ground crew_ikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Thumbnail of The Soyuz rocket is seen in the _ikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Thumbnail of The Soyuz rocket boosters are se_ikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Thumbnail of Russian military personnel are s_ikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Thumbnail of The Soyuz rocket is seen during _ikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Thumbnail of A dragonfly is seen in the foreg_p;nbsp;Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Thumbnail of The Soyuz rocket is rolled out t_ikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Thumbnail of The Soyuz rocket is seen being l_ikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Thumbnail of The fiery tail of the Soyuz rock_up a couple hundred meters away.

Thumbnail of The Soyuz rocket is still seen h_ikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Thumbnail of The Soyuz rocket is seen at the _ikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Thumbnail of The Soyuz capsule carrying three_ceflight affects the human body.

Thumbnail of Russian military Mi-8 helicopter_psule's return to earth.

Thumbnail of A view out of the window of a Ru_oyuz capsule returning to earth.

Thumbnail of Helicopter pilot and major in th_oyuz capsule returning to earth.

Thumbnail of The Soyuz capsule is seen making_ceflight affects the human body.

Thumbnail of American astronaut Daniel Burban_the International Space Station.

Thumbnail of The Soyuz capsule is seen after _ceflight affects the human body.

Thumbnail of Italian astronaut, Luca Parmitan_the International Space Station.

Thumbnail of A Russian military personnel is _he landing of the Soyuz capsule.

Thumbnail of Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalk_the International Space Station.

Thumbnail of A Russian military personnel is _board the Russian Soyuz capsule.

Thumbnail of Russian military Mi-8 helicopter_board the Russian Soyuz capsule.

Thumbnail of Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfiel_the International Space Station.

Thumbnail of American astronaut Joseph Acaba _the International Space Station.

Thumbnail of A Russian helicopter co-pilot is_oyuz capsule returning to earth.

Thumbnail of Russian military ATVs are seen i_board the Russian Soyuz capsule.

Thumbnail of An inflatable medical tent is se_Moscow and to the United States.

Thumbnail of Russian cosmonaut Sergei Revin i_the International Space Station.

Thumbnail of A Russian Mi-8 military helicopt_the International Space Station.

Public Story

NASA: Human Spaceflight

Date of Work Dec 1969 - Dec 1969

Updated Jul 2021

Location Baikonur,Kazakhstan

Topics Aerial, Astronaut, Baikonur, Cosmonaut, Documentary, Human Spaceflight, International Space Station, Kazakhstan, Landscape, Launch, NASA, Photography, Photojournalism, Portraiture, Rocket, ROSCOSMOS, Russia, Soyuz, Space, Space Travel, Spaceflight, Spotlight, Steppes, Technology, Travel

For a number of years I had the good fortune to work as a Photographer/Photo Archivist at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. During this time, I covered the end of the Space Shuttle era, international human spaceflight and space policy issues in far flung places such as Kazakhstan, Russia, California, Florida and Washington, DC.

Many people are unaware that the Russians and the Americans, along with their international partners, worked very closely for decades to build the International Space Station. The retirement of NASA's Space Shuttle fleet took place in 2012. Since then, the international partners have been solely reliant on Russia and its Soyuz rocket to launch to the ISS.

A number of times each year I traveled to Russian and Kazakhstan to photograph manned rocket launches to the ISS from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, and subsequent return to earth landings in the remote Kazakh steppe. During this time, I became the first American woman to photograph these launches, and remain the only American woman to photograph return to earth from the open door of a Russian military MI-8 helicopter.

These images comprise assignments from launches to ISS and return to earth landings in Kazakhstan and Russia.