Four astronauts -- three Americans and a Russian -- boarded the International Space Station Tuesday and were greeted by colleagues they will replace as they begin a six-month stay in space. CBS News' Nancy Cordes has more.

A new dawn broke over the International Space Station (ISS), not in the familiar hues of sunrise, but in the brilliant flash of Soyuz MS-24's docking.

The crisp, precise maneuver marked the arrival of Expedition 70's newest crew members, their faces a mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration after a grueling journey.

The hatch hissed open, and three figures, slightly disoriented but undeniably thrilled, floated into the welcoming embrace of the orbiting laboratory.

This mission, dubbed "Unity's Ascent," represented a significant step forward in international collaboration.

The crew comprised cosmonaut Dmitri Volkov of Roscosmos, seasoned astronaut Dr.

Elena Ramirez of NASA, and ESA's highly-anticipated Dr.

Jian Li, a specialist in astrobiological research.

Their diverse backgrounds reflected the ISS's global partnership, a testament to humanity's shared ambition to explore the cosmos.

The docking, witnessed by mission control centers across the globe, was met with cheers and relieved sighs.

The journey hadn't been without its challenges; a minor course correction was necessary midway through the flight, requiring the crew to demonstrate their quick thinking and meticulous training.

But they’d navigated the complexities with aplomb, arriving safely and on schedule.

The fresh faces brought with them not only enthusiasm but also vital research equipment and supplies.

Dr.

Li’s experiment, focusing on the resilience of extremophile microorganisms in microgravity, is expected to yield critical insights into the potential for life beyond Earth.

Dr.

Ramirez, meanwhile, will oversee a series of advanced materials experiments, pushing the boundaries of technological innovation in space.

Volkov, a veteran of two previous missions, will provide invaluable support, guiding the newcomers through the station's intricate systems and procedures.

The arrival of Expedition 70's new crew signifies more than just a crew change; it’s a symbolic continuation of a legacy – a persistent human endeavor to transcend terrestrial limitations.

The ISS, a symbol of international cooperation and scientific ambition, has once again welcomed its newest inhabitants, ready to embark on a new chapter of exploration and discovery.

Their journey has just begun, and the world watches with anticipation.