Astronaut From NASA Sets New U.S. Record With Pioneering Space Mission

NASA’s Frank Rubio exited the Soyuz MS-23 spacecraft moments after he, along with Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Prokopyev and Dmitri Petelin, touched down in a secluded region near the town of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan on September 27, 2023. The team returned after a 371-day space sojourn as part of Expeditions 68 and 69 aboard the International Space Station. This mission establishes a new record for the longest single spaceflight ever completed by a U.S. astronaut. Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

Frank Rubio, NASA’s astronaut, returned to Earth after an unprecedented 371 days in space, setting a new benchmark for U.S. space exploration. The mission, conducted in cooperation with Roscosmos cosmonauts, sets the stage for future lunar and Martian expeditions.

On Wednesday, September 27, after an unparalleled 371 days in orbit, Frank Rubio and his crew members safely descended to Earth. They separated from the International Space Station at 3:54 a.m. EDT, finally landing at 7:17 a.m. (5:17 p.m. Kazakhstan time) southeast of the remote Kazakh town of Dzhezkazgan.

NASA’s Frank Rubio, together with Roscosmos’ Sergey Prokopyev and Dmitri Petelin, safely returned to Kazakhstan after a record-setting 371 days in space. Credit: NASA

“Frank’s historic period in space contributes significantly to our scientific understanding of extended space missions,” remarked NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “Astronauts make substantial sacrifices to propel our scientific endeavors. Frank Rubio’s dedication and invaluable contributions to the International Space Station exemplify the pioneering spirit necessary for future Moon, Mars, and even deeper space explorations.”

The crew prepared to undock from the station’s Prichal module aboard the Soyuz MS-23 spacecraft. Rubio, Prokopyev, and Petelin secured the hatch at approximately 12:41 a.m. EDT. The spacecraft disengaged at 3:54 a.m., aiming for a parachute-facilitated landing on the Kazakh steppe at 7:17 a.m. (5:17 p.m. local time). Credit: NASA TV

Noteworthy Accomplishments of Rubio in Space

On his inaugural spaceflight that launched on September 21, 2022, Frank Rubio set a new American record for the longest single space mission, surpassing the prior record of 355 days set by NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei.

During this expedition, Rubio traversed more than 157 million miles and completed approximately 5,936 orbits around Earth, akin to 328 lunar round-trips. He also experienced the arrival and departure of 29 spacecraft for both crewed and cargo missions.

This extended space mission offers invaluable data for scientists studying the physiological impacts of long-term space travel, which is crucial as NASA aims for lunar missions under the Artemis program and prepares for Martian exploration.

Specifics of the Soyuz Mission

Rubio, Prokopyev, and Petelin originally embarked on the Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft, but returned on Soyuz MS-23 due to a coolant malfunction. Soyuz MS-22 returned unmanned after Soyuz MS-23 was launched as its substitute on February 23, 2023.

After undergoing medical evaluations post-landing, the team will proceed to Karaganda, Kazakhstan. From there, Rubio will board a NASA aircraft for his journey back to Houston.

Scientific Endeavors and the Onset of Expedition 70

Frank Rubio devoted considerable time to a myriad of scientific activities on the space station, including plant biology and physical sciences studies.

Following the detachment of the Soyuz MS-23, Expedition 70 officially commenced on the International Space Station. Remaining on board are NASA astronauts Loral O’Hara and Jasmin Moghbeli, ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen, who assumed the role of station commander on September 26, JAXA astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, and Roscosmos cosmonauts Konstantin Borisov, Oleg Kononenko, and Nikolai Chub.

Mogensen, Moghbeli, Furukawa, and Borisov are slated to return to Earth in February 2024, following a brief transition period with the crew of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission. O’Hara is planned to descend to Earth in March 2024, while Kononenko and Chub are scheduled to stay for a year, making their return in September 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Frank Rubio 371-day space mission

More about Frank Rubio 371-day space mission

• Frank Rubio’s Historic 371-Day Space Mission
• NASA Official Statement on Expedition 69’s Return
• Overview of Expeditions 68 and 69
• Roscosmos Official Press Release
• The Soyuz MS-23 Spacecraft
• Impact of Long-Duration Space Missions on Human Health
• Future Lunar and Martian Exploration Plans
• The International Space Station and Expedition 70