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NASA Astronaut Loral O’Hara and Crewmates Safely Return from the International Space Station

NASA Astronaut Loral O’Hara and crewmates return from the ISS, completing a successful research mission and contributing to space exploration.

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"Astronaut Loral O'Hara and crewmates safely return from the International Space Station, contributing to space exploration"
Expedition 70 NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara gives a thumbs up inside the Soyuz MS-24 spacecraft after she, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy, and Belarus spaceflight participant Marina Vasilevskaya, landed in a remote area near the town of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan, Saturday, April 6, 2024. O’Hara is returning to Earth after logging 204 days in space as a member of Expeditions 69-70 aboard the International Space Station and Novitskiy and Vasilevskaya return after having spent the last 14 days in space. NASA/Bill Ingalls


It’s an exhilarating moment for NASA and space enthusiasts around the world as Astronaut Loral O’Hara, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy and Belarus spaceflight participant Marina Vasilevskaya, successfully completed their six-month research mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Let’s take a closer look at their incredible journey and the valuable contributions they made to space exploration.

The Safe Return:
After bidding farewell to their home in space, the trio departed the ISS aboard the Soyuz MS-24 spacecraft on April 5 at 11:54 p.m. EDT. Early on April 6, they gracefully touched down southeast of Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan, aided by parachutes. A safe landing marked the end of their remarkable journey.

The Astounding Crew:
Loral O’Hara, an accomplished NASA astronaut, embarked on her first spaceflight on September 15, 2023. Alongside her were Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub, who continue their one-year mission on the ISS. Novitskiy, a seasoned cosmonaut with over 545 days in space across four spaceflights, and Vasilevskaya, experiencing her first spaceflight, joined O’Hara for this mission.

Contributions to Space Exploration:
O’Hara’s mission is integral to NASA’s Artemis campaign, which strives to prepare for future Moon exploration and lay the groundwork for human missions to Mars. Throughout her 204 days in space, she dedicated her time to vital scientific activities on the ISS. O’Hara’s work included research on heart health, cancer treatments, and space manufacturing techniques. Her efforts aimed to enhance our understanding of these areas and pave the way for future advancements.

Impressive Statistics:
During her stay onboard the ISS, O’Hara completed an awe-inspiring total of approximately 3,264 orbits around the Earth, covering a staggering 86.5 million miles. These impressive numbers emphasize the extent of her dedicated work and her commitment to advancing space exploration.

The Road Ahead:
After the necessary post-landing medical procedures, O’Hara, Novitskiy, and Vasilevskaya will return to the recovery staging city in Karaganda, Kazakhstan. From there, O’Hara will board a NASA aircraft bound for the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, marking the beginning of their reintegration into life back on Earth.

Expedition 71 and Continued Exploration:
With the departure of O’Hara’s crewmates, NASA’s Expedition 71 officially commenced on the ISS. NASA astronauts Michael Barratt, Matthew Dominick, Tracy C. Dyson, Jeannette Epps, along with Roscosmos cosmonauts Nikolai Chub, Alexander Grebenkin, and Oleg Kononenko will form this extended mission. Together, they will continue conducting vital research aboard the orbiting laboratory until this fall, pushing the boundaries of our knowledge and bringing us closer to future space exploration milestones.

The successful return of Astronaut Loral O’Hara, accompanied by her crewmates Oleg Novitskiy and Marina Vasilevskaya, reminds us of the tremendous achievements and possibilities that await us in space. Their contributions to space exploration, combined with the ongoing efforts of Expedition 71, inspire us to continue reaching for the stars, pushing technological boundaries, and expanding our understanding of the universe.

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Learn more about space station activities by following @space_station and @ISS_Research on X, as well as the ISS Facebook, ISS Instagram, and the space station blog.

Source: NASA

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NASA’s Dragon Departs the Station with Exciting Science: What to Expect

Exciting news as SpaceX Dragon departs the International Space Station, carrying scientific research and hardware. Don’t miss NASA’s coverage!

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The SpaceX Cargo Dragon resupply ship is pictured approaching the International Space Station carrying over 7,300 pounds of new science, supplies and solar arrays to replenish the Expedition 65 crew. The Cargo Dragon’s nose cone is open revealing its hatch and forward docking cone.


Exciting news from the realm of space exploration! NASA and its incredible international partners are gearing up for an eventful departure as the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft bids farewell to the International Space Station on Sunday, April 28 (weather permitting). This pivotal moment will mark the return of scientific research samples and hardware, acquired during the spacecraft’s stay at the orbiting laboratory. Enthusiastically, NASA is providing extensive coverage of the undocking and departure, ensuring that we don’t miss a moment of this extraordinary event.

Undocking and Departure:
NASA will commence its coverage of the undocking and departure at 12:45 p.m. EDT, accessible through various means such as NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and the agency’s website. If you’re curious about experiencing the event firsthand, worry not – NASA offers streaming options on multiple platforms, including social media.

Dragon will gracefully undock from the zenith port of the Harmony module, promptly at 1:05 p.m., after receiving ground control commands from SpaceX in Hawthorne, California. Following undocking, it will steadily propel itself away from the International Space Station, creating a safe distance between them.

Return to Earth:
Upon re-entering Earth’s atmosphere, the Dragon spacecraft will elegantly splash down off the coast of Florida, with the ultimate goal of delivering more than 4,100 pounds of supplies and scientific experiments back to home soil. While NASA will not be broadcasting the splashdown, you can stay tuned to the agency’s space station blog for continuous updates and fascinating insights.

Scientific Endeavors:
Among the plethora of captivating studies making their way back to Earth, one standout is the Flawless Space Fibers-1 experiment. This investigation has achieved remarkable milestones, producing over seven miles of optical fiber during its stay on the space station. By exploring new hardware and manufacturing processes for high-quality optical fibers in space, it shattered previous records, drawing more than half a mile of fiber in just one day.

Another striking study travelling aboard Dragon is GEARS (Genomic Enumeration of Antibiotic Resistance in Space), which surveys the space station for antibiotic-resistant organisms. By analyzing genetic data, scientists aim to understand how these bacteria adapt to space, providing insights to protect future astronauts on long-duration missions.

MISSE-18 (Materials International Space Station Experiment-18-NASA) is yet another exciting experiment coming back to Earth. It examines the performance and durability of materials and components when exposed to the harsh environment of space. Coatings, quantum dots, a lunar regolith simulant composite, and other materials are studied to enhance our understanding of their behavior in space conditions.

Additionally, the Immune Cell Activation experiment, sponsored by the European Space Agency (ESA), promises fascinating results. It investigates whether microgravity affects the incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles into immune and melanoma cells. The outcomes of this research could contribute to the development of novel therapeutics targeting central nervous system diseases and skin cancers such as melanoma.

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Future Implications:
These returning experiments represent only a fraction of the hundreds of ongoing investigations aboard the International Space Station. Ranging across biology and biotechnology, physical sciences, and Earth and space science, these studies are crucial for astronaut health during long-duration space travel. They also serve as critical stepping stones towards NASA’s Artemis campaign, ensuring the advancement of human and robotic exploration beyond low Earth orbit – ultimately leading us to the Moon and Mars.


The impending departure of the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft from the International Space Station promises an exhilarating journey back to Earth. With an array of scientific research samples and hardware aboard, the Dragon’s return holds tremendous scientific significance. Thanks to NASA’s dedicated coverage, you can witness this extraordinary milestone through various platforms. As we eagerly await the spacecraft’s splashdown off Florida’s coast, let’s celebrate the accomplishments and look forward to the groundbreaking discoveries that lie ahead.

Get breaking news, images and features from the space station on InstagramFacebook, and X.

Learn more about the International Space Station at:

https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station

https://stmdailynews.com/category/science

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Exciting News: NASA Live Coverage of Roscosmos Cosmonauts on a Spacewalk!

Don’t miss NASA’s live coverage of Roscosmos cosmonauts on a spacewalk outside the International Space Station! #SpaceExploration

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Expedition 70 Flight Engineer Nikolai Chub from Roscosmos is pictured during a spacewalk to inspect a backup radiator, deploy a nanosatellite, and install communications hardware on the International Space Station’s Nauka science module. NASA

Get ready to witness a truly incredible event – a spacewalk outside the International Space Station conducted by two Roscosmos cosmonauts! NASA will be providing live coverage of this historic moment on Thursday, April 25, starting at 10:30 a.m. EDT. You definitely don’t want to miss this!

The spacewalk, expected to begin at 10:55 a.m. EDT, could last up to an impressive seven hours. So make sure to clear your schedule and prepare yourself for some out-of-this-world action!

But don’t worry if you can’t be near a TV, because NASA has got you covered. They will be streaming the spacewalk on various platforms including NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and their very own website. How convenient is that?

If you’re wondering how to catch this incredible event, fret not! NASA has made it super easy for everyone to enjoy the live coverage. You can stream NASA TV through numerous platforms, including social media. Just follow the instructions provided and you’ll be all set to witness history!

During this captivating spacewalk, Expedition 71 crewmates Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub will embark on their mission. Their primary objective is to complete the deployment of a panel on a synthetic radar system located on the Nauka module. They will also be installing equipment and experiments on the Poisk module, which will be used to analyze the level of corrosion on various surfaces and modules of the space station. Science at its finest!

This noteworthy spacewalk will mark the 270th in support of the International Space Station. For Kononenko, this will be his seventh spacewalk, and he will be wearing the distinguished Orlan spacesuit with the red stripes. Chub, on the other hand, will be going on his second spacewalk and will be wearing the awe-inspiring spacesuit with the blue stripes. Talk about a fashionable space adventure!

So grab your popcorn, gather your friends and family, and get ready for an exhilarating experience. This upcoming spacewalk promises to be an event that will leave you in awe of the immense accomplishments and ongoing science conducted aboard the International Space Station.

Remember, you can catch all the action on NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and their website. Don’t miss out on this thrilling live coverage. Be a part of history and witness the wonders of space exploration firsthand. See you there!

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Get breaking news, images, and features from the space station on the station blogInstagramFacebook, and X.

Learn more about International Space Station research and operations at:

https://www.nasa.gov/station

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NASA Leadership Visits Mexico: Strengthening Cooperation for a Brighter Future

NASA leadership visiting Mexico to strengthen cooperation in space exploration, climate change, and STEM education. Exciting partnership ahead! 🚀🌎🔬 #NASA #MexicoCooperation

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NASA leadership visiting Mexico to strengthen cooperation in space exploration, climate change, and STEM education.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson discusses the agency’s goals during the annual State of NASA address, Monday, March 11, 2024, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters Building in Washington.

In a remarkable effort to deepen ties and enhance space collaboration with nations across the globe, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy will be visiting Mexico City on April 22 and 23. This visit aims to foster bilateral cooperation in various innovation and research areas, including Earth science and exploration. Recognizing the significance of such interaction, this blog post delves into the details of this auspicious visit, highlighting the potential benefits and areas of collaboration between NASA and Mexico.

Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation:
NASA’s engagement with senior Mexican government officials, such as President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Mexican Space Agency (AEM) leaders, underscores the intent to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. With a collective focus on addressing climate change, both NASA and AEM are working collaboratively to achieve mutual goals. This cooperation extends not only to environmental challenges but also encompasses technology development, space exploration, and scientific research.

Nanosatellite Technology Demonstrators:
Mexico’s involvement as a signatory of the Artemis Accords reinforces the country’s commitment to participating in a practical and prosperous alliance for space exploration. NASA and AEM are investing effort and resources in nanosatellite technology demonstrators, which hold immense promise for the future of space exploration. Through joint endeavors, both organizations are pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge while fostering innovation and pushing the frontiers of human capabilities.

Ecological Focus on Earth Day:
The timing of the visit is significant as it coincides with Earth Day on April 22. Mexico’s collaboration with NASA in Earth science initiatives will be at the forefront of discussions during the visit. By leveraging NASA’s expertise and missions, Mexico aims to further expand its understanding of our planet’s dynamics. Topics such as air quality analysis and improved water resource management hold immense potential, enabling both countries to address pressing ecological challenges and work towards sustainable solutions.

Inspiring the Next Generation:
Nelson and Melroy’s commitment to fostering scientific curiosity and excellence extends to engaging with students in Mexico. The NASA officials will participate in dialogue with students, emphasizing the importance of STEM education and their pivotal roles as members of the Artemis Generation. By inspiring young minds to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, NASA aims to empower the future workforce, ensuring continued progress and innovation.

NASA’s visit to Mexico serves as a testament to the importance of international cooperation and scientific collaboration. The shared vision of addressing global challenges, such as climate change, necessitates partnerships that transcend borders. Through strengthened ties with Mexico and initiatives focusing on Earth science, nanosatellite technology, and STEM education, NASA and its Mexican counterparts are paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future. Such cooperative endeavors hold the potential to unlock breakthrough discoveries, foster innovation, and inspire the next generation of explorers.

For more information about NASA’s international partnerships, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/

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Office of International and Interagency Relations Mission

The mission of the Office of International and Interagency Relations (OIIR) is to provide executive leadership and coordination for all NASA international and interagency activities and partnerships, and for policy interactions between NASA and other U.S. Executive Branch offices and agencies.

OIIR Organizationabout Office of International and Interagency Relations Mission

About OIIR

OIIR serves as the principal Agency liaison with the National Security Council, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and U.S. departments and agencies.
 
OIIR is responsible for:

  • Ensuring that NASA’s international engagements are in alignment with Administration direction and U.S. laws and regulations
  • Negotiating cooperative and reimbursable agreements with foreign space and aeronautics partners
  • Providing advice and guidance to Agency leadership on the implementation of NASA interagency and international partnerships
  • Providing management oversight and staff support of NASA’s advisory committees, commissions and panels
  • Managing the NASA Export Control Program
  • Coordinating foreign travel by NASA employees

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