In a triumphant return, SpaceX’s Crew-10 astronauts touched down on Earth last Saturday, August 9, after an incredible five-month odyssey aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The crew’s Dragon capsule, aptly named Endurance, made a spectacular splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast at precisely 11:33 a.m. EDT.

Shortly after the momentous landing, the crew’s commander, NASA astronaut Anne McClain, expressed her gratitude, stating, "From the entire Crew-10, thank you. It was truly the ride of a lifetime!" This mission marked the 10th operational flight SpaceX has successfully conducted under NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

The intrepid crew consisted of McClain and fellow NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers, Takuya Onishi from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), and Kirill Peskov from Russia's Roscosmos. McClain led the mission, while Ayers took on the role of pilot, with Onishi and Peskov serving as mission specialists.

Launching on March 14, the Crew-10 team quickly settled into their roles on the ISS, dedicating much of their time to groundbreaking scientific research. They explored how space affects mental and physical well-being, studied the dynamics of blood flow from the brain to the heart, and even experimented with future lunar navigation techniques.

As the days progressed, the crew prepared for their return following a successful Crew-11 mission that arrived at the ISS. Their departure kicked off with heartfelt reflections on their extraordinary journey. Ayers shared during a farewell ceremony, "We achieved so many amazing operational feats, witnessed stunning views, and created unforgettable memories together. We leave with hearts full of gratitude and anticipation for the future of the ISS!"

The hatches of Endurance sealed off from the ISS on August 8, clearing the path for the capsule to undock two hours later. This marked a notable shift as it was the first time a SpaceX mission returned to the Pacific; previous journeys had all splashed down near Florida. The move is designed to reduce the risk of space debris causing damage upon reentry.

Though Crew-10 was the pioneering Pacific return for a SpaceX astronaut mission, it's worth noting that earlier this year, other private missions successfully made their splashdowns in the same ocean.

This mission was particularly momentous for newcomers Ayers and Peskov, while McClain and Onishi were seasoned astronauts, with Onishi recently leading ISS Expedition 73 before passing the command baton just days prior to the capsule’s launch.