Oldest US Astronaut Don Pettit Celebrates 70th Birthday with Safe Return from Space

NASA astronaut Don Pettit, known for his adventurous spirit and resilience, has returned from a remarkable 220-day mission in space on his 70th birthday. His journey aboard the Soyuz MS-26 capsule, which safely landed in Kazakhstan, has now contributed to a total of 590 days spent in orbit across four missions.

Pettit was accompanied by Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner during this endeavor, which saw them complete an astounding 3,520 orbits around the Earth. The trio is set to undergo a period of readjustment to Earth's gravity following their significant time in space. While Pettit will head to Houston, the two Russian crewmates will return to their training base in Russia. It is noteworthy that while Pettit is the oldest current US astronaut, the record for the oldest person in space remains with John Glenn, who flew at age 77.

Before leaving the ISS, the crew transferred command to fellow astronaut Takuya Onishi from Japan, marking a seamless handover as they concluded their mission. This return follows the recent late departures of NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who spent over nine months onboard the station due to technical delays. As exploration of space continues to push boundaries, Pettit’s achievements serve as an inspiring testament to human endeavor and resilience in the face of challenges.