NASA Astronaut Frank Rubio Wraps Up Record-Breaking 371-Day Space Mission
After a marathon 371-day stay in space, NASA astronaut Frank Rubio’s historic mission has finally come to an end. Rubio set the record for the longest continuous spaceflight by an American, surpassing the previous record of 355 days held by Mark Vande Hei. On Wednesday, the 47-year-old boarded the Soyuz MS-23 spacecraft, which will transport him back to Earth.
As Rubio’s time at the International Space Station (ISS) drew to a close, a live feed camera captured the astronaut exchanging handshakes and hugs with friends. He was seen smiling and occasionally checking his wristwatch. Before entering the spacecraft, Rubio posed for photos at the space center. The hatches of the Soyuz MS-23 were subsequently sealed at 00:41 a.m. Wednesday, according to NASA.
Rubio is expected to touch down in Kazakhstan around 7 a.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, marking the end of his historic mission. His return had been uncertain for several months due to a coolant leak in the initial spacecraft that brought him and two Russian cosmonauts, Sergey Prokopyev and Dmitri Petelin, to the ISS. However, a replacement spacecraft was sent to retrieve them, resulting in an extended stay for Rubio and his crewmates.
Throughout his extended mission, Rubio conducted numerous scientific experiments on the ISS, including ones that studied the effects of prolonged spaceflight on the human body. He even grew tomatoes in space, tested zero-gravity exercise equipment, and provided biological samples that will aid in NASA’s planning for future moon and Mars missions.
Rubio admitted that spending extra time away from his family was challenging, but he credited his fellow crewmates for keeping his spirits up. He also praised his family’s resilience and continuous support during his mission.
Rubio’s return marks a significant milestone for NASA and the US space program. As space agencies plan longer missions to explore new frontiers, Rubio’s experience will serve as a valuable resource for future astronauts.
Upon returning to Earth, Rubio plans to relax in the tranquility of his Miami backyard. He will then travel to Houston with NASA, just a short flight away from his home. Hopefully, this journey will not be delayed like his mission to space.
Overall, Rubio’s record-breaking feat has captured the attention and admiration of many, highlighting the incredible perseverance and dedication of astronauts in pushing the boundaries of human exploration.