Astronauts destined for ISS make emergency landing in Kazakhstan after takeoff malfunction

The spaceship suffered problems with its engine after blast-off

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  Photographers take pictures as the Soyuz spacecraft blasts off. AFP

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  The Soyuz spacecraft carrying Alexey Ovchinin and Nick Hague blasts off to the ISS. AFP

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  The Soyuz spacecraft carrying the members of the ISS expedition blasts off from the launch pad. AFP

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  US astronaut Nick Hague, right, and Russian cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin, wave to their relatives prior to launch. AP Photo

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  Russian Space Agency experts help Nick Hague to stand up after inspecting his space suit. AP Photo

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  Nick Hague and Alexey Ovchinin speak with their relatives through a safety glass prior to the launch. AP Photo

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  Nick Hague is helped by specialists as his space suit is tested. AFP

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  Nick Hague goes hand to hand with a child prior to the launch. EPA

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  Alexey Ovchinin and Nick Hague make their way to the launch. EPA

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  Nick Hague and Alexey Ovchinin report to Roscosmos head Dmitry Rogozin before boarding the Soyuz spacecraft. AFP

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  Nick Hague and Alexey Ovchinin wave farewell prior to boarding the Soyuz MS-10 spacecraft for launch. Getty Images

Russian and American astronauts destined for the International Space Station safely made an emergency landing after an engine malfunction during takeoff on Thursday.

A Russian rescue mission found both members of the crew alive and well about 12 to 15 miles outside a small city in central Kazakhstan.

An issue with the booster rockets shortly after takeoff meant the crew had to make an emergency landing, freefalling instead of using propulsion.

The crew contained American astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin.

Both of the astronauts feel "good, as well as possible after experiencing such g-forces."

Footage from inside the rocket show the two men being shaken at the moment the fault occured, their arms and legs flailing.

A transport plane dropped a team of paratroopers to the site to make first contact with the crew, while helicopters were dispatched to pick up the astronauts.

Astronauts already on the International Space Station were preparing to welcome two new members to the satellite station, but have since changed their plans.

The crew launched at 12:40 (UAE time) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. But eight minutes after takeoff, Nasa tweeted there was an issue with the booster.

They later clarified that the issue caused the boosters to switch off. The spacecraft was able to separate with the booster and return to earth using the backup ballistic descent mode.

Russia immediately suspended all manned space launches and set up a state commission to investigate what had gone wrong.

Ballistic descent subjects astronauts to a heavy g-load and is only used in emergencies. The module lands at a steeper angle than they would in a normal landing.

Rescue crews are expected to reach the crew at approximately 14:30 (UAE time).

The spacecraft was a Russian Soyuz MS-10 and it was on expedition 57/58 to the International Space Station.

The use of ballistic descent has proved controversial in the past, raising questions over the safety of the Soyuz rocket. The crew can reduce g-loads significantly by gently spinning the module.

Watch the NASA live stream here:

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