MIRNEWS.203 10 JANUARY 1994 Soyuz-TM18 docked with the MIR-spacestation: On 10.01.94 at 1050UTC S-TM18 docked to the MIR-station. Approach and docking took place in the automatic mode by the use of the system Kurs. During MIR's pass in orbit 45144 (1138-1147UTC) the approach was going on. Afanasyev watched the behaviour of S-TM18 on his monitor. He had to be alert to take over manually, but this was not necessary. S-TM18 ap- proached and docked smoothly. During the approach the trans- mitter of MIR and of the S-TM18 as well could be heard. During the pass in the next orbit (45145, 1315-1323UTC) the hatch was opened and the enthousiastic welcome and greetings of both crews could be monitored. The following pass (orb. 45146, 1448-1459UTC) Serebrov spoke a word of welcome and reported that mood and health of the newcomers were excellent. For Dr. Polyakov reason to gather bloodsamples from the cos- monauts to be able to confirm this scientifically. The 5 men will work together during the next 3 days and the old crew (MIR Main expedition nr. 14) will then hand over the station to the 15th Main expedition. On 14.01.1994 Tsibliyev and Serebrov will return to earth in the Soyuz-TM17. The 15the Main Expedition will last until 6.07.1994, so 177 days. Then Afanasyev and Usachev will be relieved by Malen- chenko, Musabayev and Strekalov. Strekalov will return with the relieved crew. Dr. Polyakov will remain on board until spring 1995 (427 days) to conduct medical experiments aimed at the longlasting flights to Mars. Chris v.d. Berg, NL-9165/A-UK3202.