Soyuz TM-31 lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, marking a pivotal moment in human spaceflight. This mission transported the first permanent crew to the International Space Station (ISS), which was actively being assembled in low Earth orbit. The crew comprised Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malyshev and American astronauts William Shepherd and Sergei Krikalev. Their journey was not only a technical achievement but also symbolized the collaboration between Russia and the United States in a post-Cold War context.

As the spacecraft ascended, it carried with it the hope and promise of scientific discovery aboard the ISS. The crew's primary objectives included conducting experiments in microgravity, which would advance understanding in fields such as biology, physics, and materials science. The presence of a continuous crew aboard the ISS enabled ongoing research and fostered an environment in which knowledge could be shared and expanded upon over extended periods.

Liftoff took place at 6:44 PM UTC, and the crew spent over four months aboard the ISS, establishing protocols and routines that would be critical for future missions. The success of Soyuz TM-31 laid the groundwork for subsequent long-duration missions and solidified the ISS as a hub for international cooperation in space exploration.