A team of astronauts and cosmonauts has successfully returned to Earth after an extensive 245-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The crew, which landed near the city of Dzhezkazgan in Kazakhstan, comprised three members: NASA astronaut Tom Marshburn, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy, and newcomer crew members Mark T. Vande Hei and Alexander Zubritsky.
This mission is especially meaningful, since it’s the first spaceflight of both Kim and Zubritsky. Their journey is already a great personal accomplishment. Beyond its geopolitical significance, the mission further deepens the expanding partnership between countries in space exploration. At the same time, Ryzhikov wrapped up his third flight to space, during which he relied on important experience he gained in his past missions.
During their time on the ISS, the crew took part in 3,920 orbits of Earth! They flew almost 104 million miles over the course of their mission. Their mission was primarily an effort to conduct advanced scientific experimentation. They executed critical maintenance operations, helping to ensure the continuation of cutting-edge research in low-Earth orbit. This extended timeline ultimately gave them the opportunity to collect some of the most useful data. Learning from this pioneering mission will benefit upcoming Artemis missions and improve life in space.
On their return, the crew has said of the experience that they feel fortunate to have been part of such a collaborative, international endeavor. They further emphasized the role of collaboration and good communication in supporting their mission-focused goals. For the astronauts, the successful landing is a bittersweet personal achievement. It serves to dramatize the amazing progress we’ve made in space travel.