NASA's Oldest Astronaut Set for Earth Return

Don Pettit, the oldest active astronaut at 70 years old, is gearing up for his much-anticipated return to Earth on April 19, 2025, after an extraordinary 220-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Teaming up with Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner, Pettit's journey is nothing short of thrilling, having completed over 3,520 orbits and traveled a staggering 93.3 million miles in space.

How Will They Come Home?

The astronauts will board the Russian Soyuz spacecraft, launching from the ISS's Rassvet module at 5:57 p.m. EDT. Their touchdown is expected around 9:20 p.m. EDT on the expansive steppe of Kazakhstan, southeast of Dzhezkazgan.

Watch the Homecoming Live!

Exciting news for space enthusiasts! NASA will be live-streaming the astronauts' homecoming. Check out Space.com for the official feed to witness this historic moment!

Who Is Don Pettit?

Born in Silverton, Oregon, Pettit holds a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering and a Ph.D. in the same field. He joined NASA as an astronaut candidate back in 1996 and has since completed several groundbreaking missions, including being the first astronaut to enter a commercially built spacecraft in orbit during Expedition 30/31.

A Legacy in Space

Pettit’s extensive time aboard the ISS has allowed him to share breathtaking views and incredible scientific phenomena with followers on social media. He's known for capturing stunning visuals like auroras and lightning phenomena from space, making the mysteries of space accessible to everyone.

Milestones of His Career

Pettit has an illustrious history with NASA, including his role in delivering supplies on the STS-126 mission and operating the Canadarm2 during his previous expedition. His innovative videos, like those showcasing physics through an Angry Birds character, have captured the hearts of many around the globe.

Iconic Social Media Moments

One of Pettit's standout posts features the mesmerizing flight of Starlink satellites, while another showcased the breathtaking Northern Lights in stunning clarity. His unforgettable aurora video remains a fan favorite, as does his stunning documentation of lightning phenomena above the Amazon.

As we eagerly await April 19, Don Pettit continues to inspire us all with his adventures and groundbreaking contributions to science and exploration.