NASA Astronauts and International Partners Complete Five-Month Mission on ISS, Paving Way for Future Space Exploration Beyond Low-Earth Orbit

Four astronauts concluded their nearly five-month mission on the International Space Station (ISS) with a successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off California’s coast on Saturday. The SpaceX capsule, which launched NASA’s Crew-10 mission to the ISS back in March, completed an approximate 17-hour journey home after undocking from the ISS on Friday.

During their time aboard the ISS, the crew conducted over 200 science experiments aimed at preparing humans for exploration beyond low-Earth orbit. These studies included material research and investigations into physiological and psychological changes affecting the human body.

NASA’s Nichole Ayers, the mission’s pilot, reflected on their accomplishments, stating, “We achieved some incredible operational milestones, witnessed stunning views, and shared many hearty laughs during our time together.”

For Ayers and fellow crewmate Kirill Peskov, this was their first space mission. Anne McClain and Takuya Onishi from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) had previously embarked on a trip to the ISS.

The newly arrived Crew-11 replaced the departing team last week. Comprising NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, this new crew will spend approximately six months conducting science experiments and maintaining the orbiting lab.

The launch of Crew-11 marked the 12th time SpaceX has sent NASA astronauts to the ISS. Beginning in 2020, SpaceX started transporting astronauts as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, thus ending a reliance on Russia for rides to the station following the retirement of the Space Shuttle program in 2011.

While a continuous human presence has been maintained on the ISS since October 31, 2000, plans are in place to retire the ISS towards the end of the decade. NASA intends for commercial companies to launch new space stations for its astronauts in the coming years.

Before departing, Crew-10 commander Anne McClain remarked, “We are all acutely aware that this may be our only chance to experience this incredible journey.”