International Space Station Astronauts Return To Earth After Record-Breaking Research

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After a 169-day stint in space, two Russian cosmonauts and one NASA astronaut finally touched down on Earth at 8:24am this Thursday morning, Sept. 11.

During their stay at the International Space Station, the three member crew set records for scientific advancements in space, carrying out more than 170 scientific research experiments that helped usher in a new era for space-based science.

"We did lots of cargo, we did lots of science" NASA station commander Steven Swanson said after his return to Earth. "We actually set the record for the number of hours of science in a week. We did a lot of maintenance, which is good and bad; I love doing maintenance, but it means things broke."

"We had a good time, and we really appreciate everybody's help up here."

After five and a half months in the weightlessness of Earth's outer orbit, the team arrived at the destination of Dzhezkazgan, in the country of Kazakhstan, right on cue. NASA mission control commentator Rob Navias at the Johnson Space Center in Houston announced the arrival with a "Touchdown Confirmed."

"Touchdown [was] right on the button" Navias says. "On the steppe of Kazakhstan, the Expedition 40 crew, Steve Swanson of NASA and Russian cosmonauts Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Artemyev are home, back on Earth after 169 days in space."

Though the team was quickly taken away in good spirits, as medical staff on-site began evaluations, we learned earlier in the week from the team that they were eager to experience re-entry for themselves as none had ever made the trip back to Earth.

"it takes only three hours and 20 minutes from the time I undock from the International Space Station until the time I'm on the ground in Kazakhstan" Swanson said on Monday, Sept. 8. "I've heard it's quite an eventful trip."

"I haven't experienced it yet myself, but from what I've been told it's definitely the big ride at Disney World."