[FPSPACE] A tidbit and a question about the next crewed Soyuz launch

[Charles, John B. (JSC-SA2)]

I was watching a replay of the Baikonur ceremonies, which included a
crew visit to the spacecraft in the assembly building.  It stimulated
this posting.

Tidbit: An instructor reminded that crew that the Soyuz rocket "packet"
(as translated" was very reliable, and that this will be the 1,025th
launch of such a packet.

Question: How does the crew physically ingress the Soyuz crew capsule
before launch?  They enter through the side hatch in the orbital module,
but then what?  And is there a close-out person in there to help strap
them in?  If so, how?  Does he (she?) hang headfirst through the
connecting hatch?  The questions relate to the extremely limited volume
available inside the spacecraft.

Thanks for any insights!

John Charles
Houston, Texas