What's Happening?
Three members of the Expedition 73 crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are preparing to return to Earth on December 8, 2025. NASA astronaut Jonny Kim, along with Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky, will conclude their
245-day mission. During their final days, the crew focused on blood research to understand the effects of long-term space travel on human health. This research is crucial for ensuring astronaut health during extended missions. The crew will return via the Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft, with a scheduled landing in Kazakhstan.
Why It's Important?
The research conducted by the Expedition 73 crew is vital for the future of long-duration space missions. Understanding how space travel affects the human body, particularly the cardiovascular system, is essential for the safety and health of astronauts. This knowledge will inform future missions, including potential manned missions to Mars. The successful completion of this mission also demonstrates international collaboration in space exploration, with contributions from NASA, Roscosmos, and JAXA. The findings could lead to advancements in medical technology and treatments for conditions related to blood flow and pressure.
What's Next?
Following their return, the astronauts will undergo medical evaluations to assess the impact of their time in space. The data collected will be analyzed to improve health protocols for future missions. NASA will continue to share findings with international partners to enhance collaborative efforts in space exploration. The research outcomes may also influence the design of future spacecraft and habitats to better support human life during extended missions. Additionally, the ISS will continue to serve as a platform for scientific research, with new crews arriving to carry on the work.
