NASA Crew-10 Astronauts Return After Successful Five-Month Mission
In a milestone moment for space exploration, NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 astronauts returned safely to Earth on August 9, 2025, following a successful near-five-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their return aboard the Dragon capsule Endurance marks the first splashdown off the California coast in a SpaceX crewed mission—reaffirming the strength of international collaboration and technological progress in the Commercial Crew Program.ReutersSpace
Mission Timeline & Highlights
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Launch & Docking
The Crew-10 mission lifted off on March 14, 2025, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A. Two days later, the capsule docked at the Harmony forward port of the ISS.Wikipedia+1 -
Crew Members
The international crew comprised: -
Scientific Endeavors
Throughout their 146-day stay, the astronauts conducted over 200 experiments ranging from studies on microgravity’s effects on human physiology to plant growth and future lunar navigation.ReutersSpace
Return Journey: Undocking to Splashdown
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Undocking & Departure
On August 8, the crew entered Dragon Endurance and closed the hatch at around 4:20 p.m. EDT. The capsule undocked at 6:15 p.m., initiating the 17.5-hour return journey to Earth.NASA+2NASA+2Wikipedia -
Splashdown
Aboard the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, the capsule splashed down at 11:33 a.m. ET on August 9. The reentry journey involved a precise sequence of parachute deployments, bringing the capsule to a gentle water landing from orbital speeds.NASANASA +ReutersSpace -
Weather Delays and West Coast Return
High winds initially postponed the undocking and splashdown, emphasizing NASA’s commitment to crew safety. This Pacific splashdown was the first for a SpaceX crew mission and part of a strategic shift to the West Coast for return operations.Spectrum News 13NASASpaceNASA +
Scientific and Human Achievements
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Research Impact
The Crew-10 mission’s science endeavors contribute significantly to understanding how microgravity affects biological systems—crucial for future lunar and Martian missions. -
International Collaboration
Reflecting global partnership in space, the mixed-agency crew of NASA, JAXA, and Roscosmos highlights cooperative progress in space exploration.The TimesWikipedia -
Milestone Splashdown
The return off California marks a new chapter in splashdown logistics for NASA and SpaceX—prioritizing safer recovery zones and operational flexibility.
FAQs
1. Who were the Crew-10 astronauts?
Commander Anne McClain, Pilot Nichole Ayers (both NASA), Mission Specialists Takuya Onishi (JAXA) and Kirill Peskov (Roscosmos).Reuters
2. When did the mission launch and return?
Launched March 14, 2025; splashed down August 9, 2025.ReutersWikipedia
3. What scientific experiments were conducted?
Over 200 experiments, including research on human physiology, fluid dynamics, plant science, and lunar navigation techniques.ReutersSpace
4. Why was the splashdown location changed?
Due to high winds over original splash zones, NASA opted for a West Coast Pacific location to ensure crew safety.NASASpectrum News 13SpaceNASA +
5. What happens next?
The incoming Crew-11 mission launched on August 1, 2025, and is already aboard the ISS to continue Expedition 73.Wikipedia+1
Conclusion
NASA’s successful Crew-10 mission demonstrates the reliability of NASA–SpaceX collaboration, advances in orbital science, and the flexibility of mission planning. With a smooth Pacific splashdown and comprehensive scientific results, Crew-10 further paves the way for future exploration missions.
