NASA Astronaut Don Pettit Returns Home today, concluding a pivotal chapter on the International Space Station (ISS). Joined by Russian cosmonauts, Pettit finishes Expedition 71, a mission focused on the pursuit of scientific research in low Earth orbit. Their return, safe and sound, not only represents the triumph of long-duration space habitation but also the smooth transition to Expedition 72, which now starts its eight-month residence on the ISS.

The astronauts’ home trip from the ISS to Kazakhstan was meticulously tracked by NASA’s Johnson Space Center and Roscosmos ground controllers. This is a testament to a seamless conclusion of a mission that provided precious information on human adaptation to microgravity, robotics operations, and fluid physics—all of which are crucial to future lunar and Mars exploration.

Key Takeaways:

• Don Pettit completes his third mission on the ISS.

• The trip back was planned and done on April 19, 2025.

• Pettit was accompanied by two Russian cosmonauts, who concluded their joint mission.

• This change signals the beginning of Expedition 72, commanded by a fresh international crew.

• Research will also continue to study climate science, space medicine, and advanced materials.

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In Expedition 71, Pettit and his crew members enabled more than 250 science experiments to better understand life in space and how it can be applied to earthly problems. With the coming of Expedition 72, space-based research is maintained with continuity centered on health, sustainability, and exploration readiness.

This milestone highlights NASA’s continued dedication to having a permanent human presence in space and demonstrates years of cooperation among global partners. As NASA astronaut Don Pettit comes back to Earth, the legacy of Expedition 71 continues through the data and findings it leaves behind.