Science

Meet Don Pettit: NASA's Trailblazing Astronaut Ready for His Grand Return on April 19

2025-04-16

Author: Sarah

Don Pettit: A Journey Through the Stars

NASA's oldest astronaut, Don Pettit, is gearing up for his remarkable return to Earth on April 19, 2025, after an awe-inspiring 220 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Alongside his fellow cosmonauts, Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner, Pettit will touch down in the vast steppes of Kazakhstan aboard the Russian Soyuz spacecraft.

A Stellar Accomplishment

Throughout this extraordinary mission, Don Pettit has completed an impressive 3,520 orbits around our planet, traveling a staggering 93.3 million miles. This milestone not only marks a significant achievement in his space career but also showcases the relentless spirit of exploration that defines NASA.

The Thrilling Homecoming

The voyage back home will kick off at 5:57 PM EDT when their Soyuz spacecraft departs from the ISS's Rassvet module. Expect the trio to land around 9:20 PM EDT, as they make their triumphant return to Earth after such a lengthy mission.

Catch the Live Action!

Space enthusiasts won’t want to miss this moment! NASA will be livestreaming the astronauts’ homecoming, with platforms like Space.com broadcasting the feed, ensuring fans around the globe can witness this historic event.

Who Is Don Pettit?

At 70, Don Pettit stands as a legendary figure in the realm of space exploration. April 19 marks not only his return but also his birthday, making this homecoming doubly special. Over the course of his illustrious career, Pettit has spent a total of 590 days in space, leaving an indelible mark on the scientific community.

Pettit's Fascinating Background

Born in Silverton, Oregon, Don Pettit earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Oregon State University in 1978, followed by advanced degrees, culminating in a Ph.D. in 1983. Selected as an astronaut candidate in 1996, he embarked on a career that would take him across the stars.

A Memorable Space Career

Pettit’s first mission, Expedition 6 on the ISS, was launched in November 2002. He further contributed to the ISS as a mission specialist on STS-126 and later made waves during his Expedition 30/31 mission by pioneering the operation of SpaceX’s first Dragon spacecraft. His innovative outreach included using the Angry Birds game to explain physics in a fun, relatable way!

Unforgettable Moments in Space

Known for his engaging social media presence, Pettit has shared numerous breathtaking views from space, captivating audiences with stunning visuals of auroras, city lights, and extraordinary lightning phenomena. One of his most memorable videos features a mesmerizing aurora captured between Australia and Antarctica, while another showcases the incredible Starlink satellite formation.

A Legacy Among the Stars

As Don Pettit prepares to return home, his contributions to science and public engagement continue to inspire countless individuals. His legacy as a pioneering astronaut not only reflects the achievements of space exploration but also underscores the boundless possibilities of human ingenuity.

Stay tuned for April 19, as the skies above Kazakhstan welcome back a true hero of space!