NASA's Oldest Active Astronaut Returns to Earth on 70th Birthday

NASA's Oldest Active Astronaut Returns to Earth on 70th Birthday

In an inspiring milestone for both human achievement and the spirit of exploration, NASA’s oldest active astronaut, Don Pettit, returned safely to Earth on April 20, 2025 — the very day he turned 70. The historic event marked the end of a seven-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), and solidified Pettit’s legacy as one of NASA’s most experienced and dedicated spacefarers.

A Remarkable Milestone

Pettit landed in the steppes of Kazakhstan at 6:20 a.m. local time aboard the Soyuz MS-26 spacecraft, accompanied by Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner. The trio’s mission lasted 220 days, during which they orbited the Earth more than 3,500 times and traveled over 93 million miles. Pettit’s return on his birthday was more than a coincidence—it was a celebration of human endurance, science, and cooperation across borders.

NASA confirmed that Pettit was in good health after the landing, stating that he was “doing well and within expected parameters for post-flight recovery.” Pettit was later flown to Houston, where he reunited with his family and colleagues at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

A Veteran of the Stars

This mission marked Don Pettit’s fourth trip into space and brought his total time spent in orbit to nearly 600 days. Since his selection as a NASA astronaut in 1996, Pettit has participated in key missions including long-duration ISS expeditions and even space shuttle flights. He is known not only for his technical skill and scientific acumen, but also for his unique ability to engage the public through his creative photography and experiments in microgravity.

Pettit has long been admired for his “Saturday Morning Science” video series, in which he demonstrates everyday physics concepts using available materials aboard the ISS. From making water bubbles float midair to spinning homemade “space boomerangs,” his demonstrations have captivated audiences young and old.

While he is NASA’s oldest active astronaut, Pettit is not the oldest person to have flown in space. That record belongs to John Glenn, who flew aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1998 at the age of 77. However, Pettit’s active participation in a long-duration mission at age 70 sets a new precedent for active astronauts and the possibilities of aging in space.

Advancing Science in Space

Throughout the mission, Pettit and his crewmates carried out hundreds of scientific investigations. These included research into plant growth under varied water conditions, advancements in fire safety in microgravity, and improvements in space-based water purification systems. Each experiment added valuable data toward long-duration space travel, especially as NASA eyes future missions to the Moon and Mars.

Pettit also contributed to Earth science from orbit, capturing breathtaking photographs of natural phenomena such as auroras, thunderstorms, and hurricanes. His images not only hold scientific value but also offer a striking visual reminder of Earth’s beauty and fragility.

International Collaboration

The success of the mission also highlighted the continued collaboration between NASA and Roscosmos, the Russian space agency. Despite global geopolitical tensions, astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the ISS work side-by-side in the pursuit of shared scientific goals. Pettit’s mission was a symbol of what international cooperation can achieve when united under the banner of space exploration.

Before leaving the station, Pettit ceremonially handed over command to Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi, ensuring a smooth transition for the next expedition team.

A Legacy to Remember

Don Pettit’s return to Earth on his 70th birthday is more than a historic footnote—it’s a powerful testament to human potential. His dedication to space science, education, and international cooperation has inspired countless people around the world. Pettit proves that age is not a limitation but a measure of experience and wisdom, especially in the pursuit of knowledge and exploration.

As NASA prepares for the next era of human spaceflight—including Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond—Pettit’s contributions will remain part of the foundation on which future astronauts build. Whether on the ground or in orbit, his voice, experience, and passion will continue to shape the future of space exploration.