What's Happening?
NASA astronaut Chris Williams, along with Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergey Mikaev, are preparing to depart the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft. The crew is concluding a 241-day mission in space,
during which they completed 3,856 orbits and traveled over 102 million miles. This mission marks the first spaceflight for Williams and Mikaev, and the second for Kud-Sverchkov. The hatch between the Soyuz and the ISS is scheduled to close at approximately 11:30 p.m. EDT. NASA is providing live coverage of the crew's farewell and the spacecraft's hatch closing. The Soyuz MS-28 launched and docked with the ISS on November 27, 2025.
Why It's Important?
The return of the Expedition 74 crew marks a significant milestone in ongoing international collaboration in space exploration. The mission's completion contributes valuable data and experience to both NASA and Roscosmos, enhancing future missions' safety and efficiency. The successful execution of such missions strengthens international partnerships and supports the continuous human presence in space, which is crucial for scientific research and technological advancements. The mission's achievements also inspire public interest and support for space exploration initiatives.
What's Next?
Following the crew's departure, NASA will continue to monitor the Soyuz MS-28's journey back to Earth. The undocking from the ISS's Rassvet module is scheduled for 3:03 a.m. EDT, with the deorbit burn planned for 5:31 a.m. EDT. The spacecraft is expected to land on the Kazakh steppe, southeast of Dzhezkazgan, at 6:25 a.m. EDT. The safe return of the crew will be followed by post-mission debriefings and health assessments. Future missions will build on the experiences and data gathered during this expedition, contributing to the planning of upcoming spaceflights.
