Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan – Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Wagner, along with American astronaut Donald Pettit, safely returned to Earth on Sunday after completing a seven-month science mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The Soyuz MS-26 spacecraft carrying the trio landed southeast of the town of Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan, at 6:20 am local time, as confirmed by NASA and Roscosmos.
The timing of their return coincided with Pettit’s 70th birthday, making it a memorable milestone for the veteran astronaut. NASA announced the successful landing on their social media platform, congratulating Pettit on his special day. The crew was swiftly transported to a recovery location in the city of Karaganda, where Pettit was reported to be in good health after their return from space.
During their mission, which began on September 11, 2024, the crew completed 3,520 orbits around the Earth, covering a distance of 93.3 million miles. Pettit focused on conducting research on in-orbit metal 3D printing and water sanitization technologies, as well as studying plant growth and fire behavior in the unique environment of space. This mission marked Pettit’s fourth spaceflight, adding to his impressive total of 590 days spent in orbit throughout his career.
Ovchinin, with 595 days in space over four flights, and Wagner, with 416 days over two flights, also contributed significantly to the successful completion of the mission. The collaboration between US and Russian astronauts on the ISS continues to serve as a symbol of unity in the realm of space exploration, despite strained relations between the two countries due to geopolitical tensions.
In a separate mission earlier this month, NASA’s Jonathan Kim and Russian cosmonauts Sergei Ryzhikov and Alexei Zubritsky arrived at the ISS aboard the Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft to carry out further scientific experiments. However, broader partnerships between Roscosmos and Western countries have been impacted by sanctions imposed on Russia in response to the conflict in Ukraine.
The journey of Pettit, Ovchinin, and Wagner underscores the significance of international cooperation in space exploration, showcasing the dedication and expertise of astronauts and cosmonauts alike. Their safe return to Earth marks another successful chapter in the ongoing mission of advancing scientific knowledge and technology beyond the confines of our planet.