NASA astronaut Don Pettit returns from 220-day space mission aboard ISS

Don Pettit and crewmates land safely after 220-day mission aboard the International Space Station

NASA astronaut marks 70th birthday and fourth spaceflight with successful return from Expeditions 71 and 72

NASA astronaut Don Pettit, along with Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner, has safely returned to Earth following a 220-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The crew touched down on Saturday, April 19, 2025, in Kazakhstan (early April 20 local time), completing a scientific expedition that spanned Expeditions 71 and 72.

The Soyuz MS-26 spacecraft landed southeast of Dzhezkazgan at 9:20 p.m. EDT (6:20 a.m. local time) with parachute assistance. Pettit’s return also coincided with his 70th birthday, adding a personal milestone to a significant professional achievement.

A mission marked by science and innovation

During their seven-month stay, the crew orbited Earth 3,520 times, traveling an estimated 93.3 million miles. Their time aboard the ISS was packed with advanced scientific experiments aimed at pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space exploration.

Pettit’s work contributed to:

• In-orbit metal 3D printing advancements

• Water purification technology development

• Plant biology experiments under varying hydration conditions

• Microgravity fire behavior studies to support safety in future missions

In addition to scheduled experiments, Pettit, known for his curiosity and hands-on approach, conducted informal experiments and engaged global audiences with awe-inspiring space photography.

Career milestones for seasoned astronauts

This mission marked Don Pettit’s fourth spaceflight, bringing his career total to 590 days in space. His colleagues also hit impressive milestones: Ovchinin now holds 595 days across four missions, and Vagner has accumulated 416 days over two missions.

Following their landing, the astronauts underwent routine post-landing medical evaluations before being transported to the recovery staging area in Karaganda. Pettit is scheduled to return to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. NASA officials report that he is in good condition and recovering within the expected range following extended spaceflight.

A platform for the future of human space exploration

The International Space Station remains a vital hub for long-duration space research, having hosted continuous human presence for over 20 years. As NASA pivots toward deep space exploration through its Artemis program, the ISS serves as a testbed for critical technologies and physiological studies needed for missions to the Moon and Mars.

Meanwhile, commercial partners are increasingly taking on responsibilities in low Earth orbit, developing transportation systems and space habitats that support NASA’s evolving strategy.

Pettit’s mission, bridging science, technology, and exploration, underscores the value of international collaboration and sustained research in orbit as humanity prepares for the next chapter in space.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for continued updates on space missions, astronaut milestones, and the evolving landscape of orbital science.