Summary
A Soyuz capsule successfully returned to Earth on September 23, 2024, carrying two Russian cosmonauts, Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub, along with American astronaut Tracy Dyson from the International Space Station (ISS). This mission marked the end of a record-breaking stay for the Russian duo, who spent 374 days aboard the ISS, setting a new record for the longest continuous mission.
The capsule undocked from the ISS and landed in the Kazakh steppe approximately 3.5 hours later, employing a parachute and small rockets for a controlled descent. The astronauts were extracted from the capsule and underwent medical examinations to help them adjust to Earth’s gravity. Kononenko and Chub’s extended stay on the ISS was notable, as they had recently broken the previous record for continuous occupancy. Meanwhile, eight astronauts remain aboard the ISS, including Americans Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who are facing delays in their return due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner capsule, necessitating a future ride back with SpaceX.
Mission Details
- Astronauts:
- Oleg Kononenko (Russia)
- Nikolai Chub (Russia)
- Tracy Dyson (USA)
- Duration:
- Kononenko and Chub: 374 days
- Dyson: 6 months
- Landing Location:
- Kazakh steppe
Context of the Stay
Kononenko and Chub’s record-setting mission underscores the increasing capabilities and challenges of long-duration spaceflight. Their extended time in orbit contributes valuable data for future missions, particularly as space agencies prepare for longer missions to destinations such as Mars. The current situation aboard the ISS, with several astronauts experiencing extended stays, highlights the complexities of space travel logistics and the reliance on multiple spacecraft for crew rotations.
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Sep. 23 / Google News “ A Soyuz capsule with 2 Russians and 1 American from the International Space Station returns to Earth The Associated PressView Full Coverage on Google News