The flags of the United States Russia Spain and Kazakhstan fly to the launch of the vehicle to the International Space Station.

The flags of the United States, Russia, Spain and Kazakhstan fly outside the Cosmonaut Hotel Oct. 14, 2003 after they were raised by astronauts and cosmonauts in a traditional prelaunch ritual prior to the launch Saturday of the Soyuz TMA-3 vehicle to the International Space Station. The Soyuz will carry Expedition 8 Commander and NASA Science Officer Mike Foale, Expedition 8 Soyuz Commander Alexander Kaleri and European Space Agency Astronaut Pedro Duque of Spain to the ISS. Photo Credit: "NASA/Bill Ingalls"