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Don Pettit: NASA's Oldest Active Astronaut Returns to Earth on His 70th Birthday After 220 Days in Space
Don Pettit, NASA’s oldest active astronaut, made history on April 20, 2025, when he returned to Earth after completing an intense 220-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The timing of his return was especially significant, as it coincided with his 70th birthday, marking a personal milestone for Pettit and his impressive career in space exploration.
Pettit was accompanied by Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner, who also completed the same mission aboard the ISS. They safely landed in Kazakhstan aboard the Soyuz MS-26 spacecraft, which had been in orbit for nearly seven months. The landing occurred at approximately 4:00 AM local time, signaling the end of their extensive time in space.
Why Don Pettit Couldn’t Walk on His Own Upon Returning
Upon returning to Earth, Don Pettit was unable to walk on his own, which might seem surprising to some. This is actually a common issue for astronauts who return from extended missions in space, particularly those who spend prolonged periods aboard the ISS.
In the microgravity environment of space, astronauts’ muscles and bones weaken due to the lack of gravity. As a result, they experience muscle atrophy and a loss of bone density, making it difficult to move and even stand up upon their return to Earth. Pettit, like many astronauts who spend extended time in space, required assistance upon landing. This condition is temporary but is something astronauts have to work through during their recovery.
The process of adapting back to Earth’s gravity can take days or even weeks, depending on the duration of the mission. Pettit’s landing was no exception. As soon as the Soyuz capsule touched down, NASA personnel and cosmonaut recovery teams were ready to assist. They helped him and his fellow crew members out of the capsule and into a waiting vehicle.
The Space Mission: Scientific Contributions and Experiments
Despite the physical challenges upon return, Pettit’s mission aboard the ISS was a major scientific success. During his 220-day stay in space, Pettit and his crew conducted a wide variety of experiments crucial for understanding the impacts of long-term space travel on human health, as well as advancing scientific knowledge.
Some of the most notable experiments included:
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Water Purification
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Plant Growth in Microgravity
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Fire Behavior in Space
Post-Mission Life and Celebrations
After returning to Earth, Pettit underwent routine medical evaluations to monitor his health after an extended period in space. NASA’s focus is on ensuring astronauts’ physical recovery, and Pettit’s condition was no different. He participated in post-landing medical checks, where doctors confirmed that he was in good health despite the difficulties he had walking on his own. Pettit is expected to undergo a rehabilitation process to regain strength and flexibility in his muscles and joints.
The timing of Pettit’s return made this a momentous occasion. Not only did he celebrate his 70th birthday on the day of his landing, but his return also symbolizes the ongoing potential for older astronauts to continue contributing to space research. Pettit has demonstrated that age does not prevent someone from being a vital part of space exploration.
Looking Ahead: Pettit’s Future Plans
Following his recovery, Pettit is expected to return to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, for debriefing and to contribute further to future space projects. His work on the ISS and his previous missions has earned him recognition as one of the leading astronauts of his generation. Pettit is a symbol of longevity and dedication, showing that space exploration is a pursuit that can span decades.
